Packaging company to expand Danville plant

India-based Essel Propack, a specialty packaging company, plans to expand its manufacturing facility in Danville, creating 45 additional jobs.

The expansion, expected to double production at the Danville plant, represents an investment of $31.2 million, according to the governor’s office.

Essel Propack produces a variety of multilayer collapsible tubes and laminates used for packaging in personal care, food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.

The company established its only U.S. manufacturing plant in Danville in 2002. The 200,000-square-foot facility now has 252 employees.

Gov. Ralph Northam approved a $150,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Danville in landing the expansion project.

The governor also approved a $300,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Performance Program, an incentive intended to encourages capital investment by existing Virginia companies.

In addition, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved $330,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project.

Essel Propack is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, which is administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

Virginia competed with Brazil and Argentina for the project.

Founded in 1982, Essel Propack is based in Mumbai and has 2,850 employees worldwide.