Marianna is celebrating a major win! Darwin Gilmore of the Jackson County Economic Development Committee has proudly announced the attraction of PackEx USA, a groundbreaking all-aluminum packaging and bottling company, marking them as a second new employer for our county. This isn’t just any new business; it’s a monumental $50 million investment poised to create 75 fantastic new jobs, from cutting-edge IT programming to vital skilled trades, offering a genuine boost to our local economy and a beacon of sustainable manufacturing on the East Coast.
Why Marianna? PackEx itself has expressed immense satisfaction with Jackson County’s central location and its undeniable geographic perfection for distribution! This strategic position is set to redefine the beverage industry, particularly for the entire East Coast. Currently, there’s a significant gap in the market for aluminum bottle and can filling companies in our region. PackEx USA is stepping boldly into that void, making Jackson County the perfect hub for innovation and growth. As PackEx President and Chief Strategy Officer Michael Clark enthusiastically shared, “This location will give those brands the ability to create channels and expand their portfolios, expand those products.” He highlighted a brilliant example that truly hits home: “A cruise ship would be a marketing channel. They have an initiative that is very favorable to aluminum. They want aluminum on those cruise ships. And you look at where we’re located, smack dab in the middle of the Panhandle and all of those ports, and I’ll leave from South Florida to South Texas, so the entire Gulf, and we’re right in the middle.” Indeed, we are blessed to be in this place at this time! With major shipping intersections like Interstate 10, Highway 231, robust railroads, and a thriving airport, the central Panhandle is perfectly positioned. It was just a matter of time before businesses began to take notice. As industry and shipping warm back up across the United States, and regional distribution becomes increasingly vital for factors like free or next-day shipping (yes, thanks Amazon!), coupled with a ready and willing local workforce, our central Panhandle is truly a prime location for these forward-thinking businesses. Imagine the impact – Marianna becoming a pivotal point for beverage distribution across the entire Gulf Coast!
The company is transforming a former bottling facility in Marianna’s industrial park into a sprawling 400,000-square-foot powerhouse. But beyond the impressive scale, PackEx is deeply committed to local pride and opportunity. Management is actively seeking a blend of local talent and skilled professionals from outside Jackson County, aiming to build a diverse and thriving workforce right here.
PackEx Chief Operating Officer Anthony Snider, a proud Marianna native, spoke passionately about addressing a critical community need. “I’m from here and one of the pain points being from here is you do not have an amount of middle-class, decent-paying jobs that offer insurance, 401k, and everything a person needs to be able to live here,” Snider explained. This sentiment was echoed by Clark, who added, “I love the homegrown, organic initiatives where you’re offering something to the people of this community, and that maybe will give them the opportunity that they don’t have to leave here to go get a good job.” This isn’t just about jobs; it’s about building a stronger, more prosperous future for our families, right here at home.
Local officials are equally thrilled, seeing PackEx as a prime example of the sustainable, high-tech growth Jackson County is eager to foster. “We’re excited about the sustainability, the marketplace, the footprint. We’re seeking manufacturing logistics, distribution, tech, particularly clean tech. And this meets all those criteria,” stated Jackson County Economic Development Committee President Darwin Gilmore. He emphasized the groundbreaking nature: “And to think that from this location, on the east coast for the first time in scale, we’re going to be providing the solution is very exciting.” In a testament to this commitment, Jackson County officials are actively collaborating with PackEx to secure reduced electric rates and integrate renewable energy solutions to offset their power consumption, truly walking the talk on clean technology.
With the facility slated for a January 1st opening, the excitement is palpable! PackEx is already looking to the future, eager to partner with local educational institutions like Chipola College and Haney Technical College. These collaborations will help prepare our future workforce, ensuring local residents have the skills needed for these innovative roles. PackEx will serve diverse markets, from still and sparkling waters to sodas, energy drinks, and natural juices. They’ve already secured commitments from two major companies, filling an impressive 80% of their capacity! This is a story of local growth, innovation, and opportunity. Keep an eye on PackEx USA – their impact on Marianna and the wider region is just beginning!
