Balcan opening its first U.S. facility

Canadian film extruder Balcan Innovations has announced the opening of its inaugural U.S. manufacturing facility following the completed installation of its first extruder and printing press in Pleasant Prairie, Wis.

In an April 11 statement, Balcan officials said the company’s new 165,000-square-foot facility was purchased in June 2021 to support the “evolving needs and growth” of its American customers. Following a six-month period of facility construction and rehabilitation, and investments in new machinery, the state-of-the-art plant is now operational.

“Today marks another milestone for our company and greatly expands our capability to deliver sustainable, high-quality, technical films and flexible packaging products that are tailor-made for our American clients,” said Balcan CEO Dano Lister. “This is a project that required a huge effort from our employees in both Canada and the United States. I am proud of the Wisconsin team, their support, and the collaboration of all departments.”

Within the coming year, the Pleasant Prairie facility will fill out its growing fleet of three and five-layer extruders, the statement said, along with a series printing presses, converting equipment, warehousing space, and loading access via truck and rail. Its operations will unlock a series of advanced manufacturing capabilities, including products developed with PCR resin and HD retail-quality printing. “We had a unique opportunity to build a modern facility that will meet today’s and tomorrow’s production needs,” Lister added.

Founded in 1967, Balcan is headquartered in Saint-Léonard, Que. The opening of the Pleasant Prairie plant continues a busy period for Balcan. In February 2021, the firm acquired two plastics-related businesses in Canada – Balcan first purchased Montreal-based Nelmar Group, which includes Nelmar Security Packaging Systems Inc., Plastixx Extrusion Technologies Inc. and Plastixx FFS Technologies Inc.