08/07/2021
Polykar Breaks Ground on its New Manufacturing Facility in Edmonton
Edmonton, AB, July 8, 2021—Polykar, an innovative, world-class manufacturer of sustainable packaging solutions, today officially broke ground for a new 50,000 square-foot state-of-the-art plant in Edmonton, Alberta.
The construction of this facility is phase one of what will become a $40 million investment to create an industry-leading centre of excellence for the development and commercialization of flexible and compostable packaging. Polykar, which was recently named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies by Deloitte, will be providing the first large-scale investment within the Discovery Business Park, South Edmonton’s newest premier industrial subdivision developed by Remington & QuadReal.
“We selected Edmonton and Alberta as the ideal location for our second Canadian plant for its dynamism, its openness to the manufacturing sector, and most importantly, because of its highly qualified, skilled and diverse labour force,” explained Amir Karim, President and CEO of Polykar. “We are excited about this next chapter of the Polykar story and we are delighted to become an active member of the province’s business community.”
Expected to be fully operational by the Spring of 2022, Polykar will also incorporate a cutting-edge recycling facility, positioning the company to actively participate in Alberta’s efforts to divert plastic waste from landfills. This will allow Polykar to recycle and repurpose those materials, contributing to the province’s stated goal of creating a circular plastics economy.
On the occasion of Polykar’s expansion into Alberta, the company also wished to express its gratitude for the warm welcome it has received in the province by demonstrating the company’s commitment to community engagement. Through the Polykar Foundation, a donation of $50,000 was made to the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Extension to fund a new pilot program entitled, “Micro-Credentials: Communication Skills for the Workplace”.
“This is more great news for Alberta’s economy. As we continue to recover from the global COVID recession, Alberta’s open for business approach is attracting more innovative, job creating investments. Thank you to Polykar for choosing Edmonton for this new manufacturing facility, and for showing your commitment to the community with a contribution to the University of Alberta to assist with the upskilling of newcomers,” stated the Honourable Jason Kenney, Premier of Alberta.
“Polykar is a strong addition to the Edmonton Metropolitan Region’s manufacturing sector. Their dedication to excellence in sustainability aligns perfectly with our long-term goals to reduce waste and to reduce our carbon footprint. Congratulations Polykar, on the ground-breaking of your new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, ” said Don Iveson, Mayor of Edmonton.
The new plant will employ a total of 70 employees within the first two years of operation. With the opening of its temporary warehouse in Edmonton, Polykar has already started the roll-out of its commercial activities to service its Western customers.
“Plastics development and recycling are exciting areas for growth in our economy. This investment shows how we can divert waste from landfills while building our manufacturing sector and creating jobs,” concluded Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation, Doug Schweitzer.
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