Pliant invests in Canadian presence

Schaumburg, Ill.-based Pliant Corporation has announced that it is investing nearly $3 million in 2008, on top of the $4.5 million invested in 2006 and 2007, to improve its product offerings in Canada.

The capital investment program is similar to initiatives underway in Europe, Asia and Mexico, and is an attempt to grow the company’s market in Canada. According to the company, a new leadership team and a greater focus on the needs of the Canadian marketplace will allow Pliant to expand its market share, specifically for its meat and food wrap, pallet wrap, engineered films, personal care, medical and printed products.

“Pliant has the most comprehensive offering of quality products available in Canada from a single manufacturer,” said Pliant’s Canadian managing director Tim French. French rejoined the company in March 2008 after a stint as the CEO of Snowbear.

Pliant has sales of more than US$110 million in Canada, and is one of the largest manufacturers of engineered packaging and specialty products in North America. The company’s Canadian headquarters are located in Orillia, Ont., and existing manufacturing facilities in Orillia and Toronto will be seeking strategic Canadian acquisitions. As well, the company plans to expand its current sales force to better serve the domestic market.

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