By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-847119.mp3
Plattsburgh, NY – Officials cut the ribbon to Hanet Plastics this morning, a new Canadian manufacturer setting up shop in Plattsburgh. WAMC North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley has more.
Hanet Plastics - based in St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec - makes plastic trays for the food industry - including many of the plastic liners in cookie and candy packages. They also manufacture deli take-out plastics like salad trays. Plattsburgh North Country Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Gary Douglas welcomed the company to the region calling it the latest example of quality growth and job creation in the North Country region.
This is the company's first expansion and first plant in the U.S. and they've actually been operating in Plattsburgh for 7 weeks. Hanet's Strategic Planner Michael Biskup says the move is intended to expand their customer base for direct US sales.
Local and regional officials are pleased by Hanet Plastics' decision to locate in Plattsburgh, not only because it brings another business to the region, but because it also moved in to what had been an unused industrial facility.
Hanet Plastics is developing a biodegradable plastic and Michael Biskup says if they are successful, it will be manufactured at the Plattsburgh facility.
Hanet planned to employ 5 to 7 employees in Plattsburgh for all of fiscal 2009. In its first 7 weeks of operations 13 people have already been hired and they are looking for more workers. Hanet is also conducting a global search for additional equipment to expand the Plattsburgh facility.