A major employer in Story City is expanding and adding high quality jobs.
American Packaging Corporation (APC), a leader in flexible packaging solutions, is growing its facility, backed by support from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).
The expansion includes a 20,000-square-foot addition and the acquisition of advanced pouch-making equipment, representing a capital investment of nearly $8 million.
The project is expected to create 25 new jobs, 13 of which will be incentivized by a wage of $33.67 per hour. The IEDA Board approved tax benefits through the High Quality Jobs program.
“We are excited to expand our pouching capacity and capability,” Kevin Neis, APC operations director, said in a news release. “Our Story City Center of Excellence delivers vivid graphics and shelf appeal that our customers value.”
Pouches are growing in popularity as product packaging
Founded in 1902, APC serves a wide range of industries including food, beverage, healthcare, pet care and home care. The Story City facility is a hub for the company’s pouch and bag manufacturing, offering award-winning flexographic printing and high-impact visual packaging.
The expansion is expected to be finished by September 2026. Pouches are projected to grow 4.5% annually from 2024 to 2029, driven by consumer demand for convenience and product protection.
“American Packaging is uniquely positioned to meet the growing demand for pouches and bags for a wide variety of applications,” Ray Graham, CEO and president of APC, said in a news release. “Customers can find the perfect combination of packaging materials, printing, and special features for their products.”
A long history of American Packaging in Story City
The company has been in business for more than 110 years. In 1902, the Kardon family founded American Bag and Paper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
In 1982, APC rebranded to American Packaging Corporation. In 1989, it consolidated the preformed products segment of its business in Story City, and in 1997, it built a flexographic printing facility there.
In those early years, the plant was best known for producing bags for a popcorn company.
The Story City plant now produces packaging for hundreds of recognizable products, including popular items such as Dole lettuce, Kit Kat bars and Bisquick.
Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rfaaborg@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: American Packaging in Story City plans $8 million expansion
Reporting by Ronna Faaborg, Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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