Mid South Extrusion Invests $4.9 Million to Expand Production Capacity at Louisiana Facility

Louisiana – The Louisiana Office of the Governor announced that Mid South Extrusion, which manufactures polyethylene film for food packaging and other consumer and industrial applications, will invest $4.9 million to add a 12th production line to its Monroe manufacturing facility. LED estimates that the project will result in 16 indirect jobs, for a total of 24 new jobs in Ouachita Parish.

The new line will enable the company to meet rising demand for polyethylene film, a thin, lightweight plastic sheeting used to seal and protect a wide range of packaged industrial and consumer products. The company’s Food Safety Management systems were certified by the Global Food Safety Initiative, and the new, cutting-edge production line is a direct response to the growing demand for food packaging.

“I applaud Mid South’s investment in the growth of its team and its facility, which will increase economic activity in the Northeast Region of the state,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “Mid South’s role in the food packaging supply chain illustrates the importance of Louisiana’s contribution in this sector. Food production remains critical in the United States and beyond, and it is reliant on packaging. This investment contributes to these important national and global interests.”

The installation is expected to be completed by the end of 2022, with the new production line commercially operational.

“Along with increasing our production capacity, this investment allows us to continue to target new markets and capitalize on our momentum in the food packaging sector,” said Mark Kent Anderson, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Mid South. “We love our state and community, and knowing that we have the support of our local and state officials makes reinvestment and growth in Louisiana an easy decision. Plastics is an industry that is in high demand due to the industry’s commitment to growth, innovation and sustainability. Mid South Extrusion is looking forward to our continued growth in Monroe for many years to come.”

Mid South Extrusion has steadily expanded its operation since its inception in 1986, from a 17,000 square-foot facility with four employees to a 215,000 square-foot site with nearly 200 employees. Agriculture, consumer products, e-commerce, food and beverage, and industrial applications are among the industries served by the company.

“Mid-South Extrusion is an integral part of the economic development in the City of Monroe,” Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis said. “They provide hundreds of jobs for our people, and this expansion is a reflection of their investment in employees, and an investment in our community. Their growth demonstrates the opportunity for businesses to thrive in Monroe.”

The state of Louisiana provided Mid South with a competitive incentive package, including $170,000 from the state’s Retention and Modernization Program, to secure the company’s investment in Monroe. The company will also be eligible for the state’s Enterprise Zone and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.

“We are proud to have Mid South Extrusion as part of our existing industry base, as well as our community,” North Louisiana Economic Partnership President and CEO Justyn Dixon said. “This decision to increase their footprint in North Louisiana emphasizes the area’s dedicated workforce and strategic location.”

Featured image source: Google Maps