Dart Container to Invest $14 Million in Plant City Expansion

29/10/2013 14:14:55

Project will generate up to 24 new jobs with the construction of a 400,000 square foot distribution center

PLANT CITY, FL – Dart Container Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of foam cups, has announced plans to expand its existing presence in eastern Hillsborough County with the construction of a 400,000 square foot warehouse in Plant City. Dart is investing $14 million in the project, and up to two dozen new jobs are expected to result from the expansion.

“Since opening our manufacturing facility in 1983, Dart has been a strong supporter of our local community,” said Jimmy Rigdon, Dart’s Plant City Manager. “We’re pleased that we can continue our commitment to the area with the new distribution center. The warehouse will enable us to continue to provide our customers with the exceptionally reliable service they expect from our company.”

Headquartered in Mason, Michigan, Dart Container has 45 locations in eight countries. The company has more than 14,000 employees, including approximately 230 in its 480,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Plant City. Dart’s 2012 acquisition of Solo Cup Company has expanded the company’s product offerings and spurred the need for additional warehouse space in Florida. Construction of the new building is expected to begin in the next two months, with estimated completion in mid-2014.

“Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to join the staff and families of Dart Container as they celebrated 30 years in Plant City,” said the Hon. Ken Hagan, Chairman of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. “They are an important part of our community, and it’s a pleasure to congratulate them on this significant expansion.”

“This is incredible news for the residents of Plant City, and we thank Dart Container for its continued commitment to our community,” said Mayor Mary Thomas Mathis. “As we work to bring more quality jobs and investment to Plant City, Dart Container stands out as a true story of partnership and success. We expect this to be the first of many announcements as we grow our business base.”

Last year, the City of Plant City approved a moratorium on the collection of transportation mobility fees to increase the community’s competitiveness in pursuing high-impact economic development projects. As a result of this program, Dart Container will receive a fee waiver of $139,200. Additional project assistance was provided by the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance.

“Plant City and eastern Hillsborough County play a critical role in the economic growth of our region,” said David Pizzo, the 2013 Chair of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation and Market President, West Florida Region for Florida Blue, Florida’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield company. “Through a partnership with the City of Plant City and Tampa Electric Company & Peoples Gas (TECO), we’ve committed dedicated resources to identifying new opportunities for the attraction, expansion and retention of jobs in this area. The exciting announcement by Dart Container reinforces the success of that initiative and serves as a milestone for future efforts.”

About the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation

The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation (www.TampaEDC.com) is the lead economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. Established in 2009 as a partnership between the public sector and private corporate investors, the EDC works to develop and sustain a thriving local economy through the attraction, retention and expansion of high-wage jobs and capital investment within targeted industry sectors, including Corporate Headquarters, Financial and Shared Services, Life Sciences, Defense and Security, and Manufacturing.

Working with C-level executives, site selection consultants, commercial real estate professionals and other influential decision-makers, the EDC provides customized, confidential relocation services to domestic and international companies interested in growing within Hillsborough County. Locally, the EDC helps existing businesses access the tools and resources they need to succeed, now and in the future.

Press Release (PDF)