Graphics Packaging’s Future in Battle Creek And Kalamazoo

Battle Creek’s Graphics Packaging International facility may be in danger of being closed. The company is moving forward with a 600 million dollar expansion of its Kalamazoo plant. Once completed, company executives are indicating the Battle Creek plant might close.

A company Vice President is telling WWMT that the Battle Creek plant will be evaluated along with another plant in Ohio once the Kalamazoo expansion work is complete in 18-24 months. About 200 people are employed at the Graphics Packaging Battle Creek facility. Some may be offered positions at the expanded Kalamazoo location. One element of the Kalamazoo expansion is the installation of a $100 million dollar manufacturing machine, unlike anything the company is currently using. That means many employees will need new training to get the most out of the investment. The new project in Kalamazoo means as many as 1,000 skilled construction tradespeople will be needed at the site.