Niagara packaging maker gets federal funds to scale manufacturing

Smithville, Ontario-based Stanpac Inc. will get $5 million in federal support to help scale up production of a new line of recyclable and compostable packaging.

Stanpac, a family-owned company, is the largest manufacturing employer in Smithville, and makes paperboard and glass packaging for the dairy and beverage industry.

This $5-million investment, through the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF), supports the purchase of advanced manufacturing equipment to expedite Stanpac’s transition to sustainable packaging. The new machinery produces fully recyclable and compostable products, including a new paper-based bulk ice cream container.

Also, with the many innovations Stanpac has in development, the opportunity exists to further reduce plastic from the supply chain by 2.5 million pounds annually. The new equipment will improve productivity, enabling Stanpac to deliver products to customers faster, while also reducing its carbon footprint.

“This investment from FedDev Ontario has a significant impact on how Stanpac will be able to take our sustainable packaging innovations to market, not only here at home but to the more than 30 countries we export to presently, and beyond those to new markets. In addition, we will create more employment opportunities which in turn drive our continued sustainable packaging advances,” said Matt Witt, co-president of Stanpac Inc.

Established in 1949, Stanpac operates three locations in North America (Ontario, Texas and New Jersey).

FedDev Ontario is delivering $224 million through the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) to help businesses in southern Ontario and the organizations that support them.