First Manufacturing Facility In USA Gives RPC North American Foothold

Already Europe's leading manufacturer of rigid plastics packaging, RPC has made a significant step into North America with the establishment of its first manufacturing facility in the region.

Located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, RPC Bramlage-Wiko USA's new factory represents a $10 million investment.

The opening of the Morgantown premises was facilitated by RPC Bramlage-Wiko's ongoing partnership with Kraft Foods' TASSIMO project. The revolutionary beverage system - for which RPC Bramlage manufactures the unique T-Disc brewing device - was launched in North America in September, and RPC and Kraft recognised the benefits of a localised manufacturing base to meet anticipated demand.

The chosen site is a custom-renovated 65,000 sq ft facility, installed with state-of-the-art equipment. One hour west of Philadelphia, the location has excellent logistics not only for the filling plants used for TASSIMO, but for future projects for new and current customers.

The staff from RPC Bramlage-Wiko USA's existing sales office have relocated from Exton, whilst a new production workforce has been recruited. RPC estimates that the site will employ over one hundred people within three years. New employees have received training at RPC Bramlage-Wiko sites in Lohne and Celle, whilst three representatives of RPC Bramlage have relocated to Morgantown to oversee the first year of production.

"TASSIMO is a major project for RPC, and the Morgantown facility will ensure that the required numbers of T-Discs can be manufactured and supplied to Kraft locally, rather than shipped from Europe," comments Alfons Böckmann, Director of RPC Bramlage-Wiko.

Ron Marsh, Chief Executive of RPC, welcomes the potential for future expansion that Morgantown provides.

"Although TASSIMO is the driving force behind the investment, the site has been equipped with a view towards strengthening our presence in North America for customers operating across a range of market sectors.

"This will give RPC the potential to further enhance our service in the region."

SOURCE: RPC Group