The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced today that Norton Packaging, Inc. is creating 90 new jobs and investing $12 million in a new manufacturing operation in Jasper County. Norton Packaging, which broke ground today for its new facility, specializes in containers that hold a wide variety of products, and will manufacture plastic injection molded rigid shipping containers at the Monticello facility. 

“As a growing state, Georgia hosts a thriving environment for manufacturers, which keeps us top-of-mind for companies deciding to relocate or expand,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Cummiskey. “Companies can expect to find here well-trained workers and an outstanding logistics system that gives them access to the world.”

Norton Packaging, owned by the same family who founded it in 1901, supplies companies in the United States, Southeast Asia, Europe and Australia. Some of the industries the company services include paint, janitorial, petrochemical, adhesive, agricultural chemicals and food packaging. Norton is headquartered in Hayward, Calif., and operates three other facilities in California and Indiana. The 76,000-square-foot Georgia location will service the southeast region of the United States as well as Puerto Rico and Europe.

“This location in Georgia’s heartland is an outgrowth of a business strategy to extend existing customer relationships in addition to expanding our customer base in fast-growing markets,” said Scott Norton, co-president of Norton Packaging. “We were drawn here by the state’s advantageous business climate, and we look forward to becoming an integral part of the community.”

Norton plans to begin hiring by July 2013. Georgia Quick Start, the country’s top-rated customized workforce training program, will assist the company with its training needs.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development partnered with the Development Authority of Jasper County to manage this project. GDEcD senior project manager Andrew Neumann assisted Norton on behalf of the state.

“We’re very pleased that Norton Packaging has found our community the perfect fit for its needs, and we look forward to working with the company as it puts down roots and finds success in Jasper County,” said David Dyer, Executive Director, Development Authority of Jasper County.

“There is no better reward for a lot of work by a lot of people than having a fine company like Norton commit to its future growth and create job opportunities right here in our community,” commented Monticello Mayor Bryan Standifer.