SeaCa Packaging, owned by Seattle Tacoma Box Company, an over 125-year-old six generation family owned and operated company specializing in packaging, today announced its expansion to Greater Phoenix with the groundbreaking of a manufacturing plant in Surprise, Arizona.
A wholly owned subsidiary company, SeaCa Packaging was founded in 1991. The company specializes in polypropylene carton manufacturing and the plant in Greater Phoenix is scheduled to be completed by April 2019, marking the eighth location between the two companies. With plans to hire for 65 phase one jobs, this facility anticipates a $17M capital investment into Greater Phoenix and will serve its growing customer base nationwide.
“’Yesterday’s methods on today’s jobs will put us out of business tomorrow.’ This was a quote my brother stated over a half century ago, yet it still remains just as true,” says Ferd Nist, President of Seattle Tacoma Box Company. “As a corporation we still embrace this mantra, which pushes us to continually develop innovative products. We have run our business for the past 130 years on the basis of providing only the best for our customers, which has shown successful in the many years of continued relationships with the farmers and fishermen.”
“It’s fitting that this announcement is being made during Arizona Manufacturers Month, a time when we celebrate the impacts that employers like SeaCa Packaging have on our state’s economy,” said Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. “Arizona continues to prove it offers the talent, operating environment and strategic location manufacturers are seeking. Arizona welcomes SeaCa Packaging to Surprise and we are grateful for their investment in our state.”
This new location in Surprise will expand SeaCa Packaging’s manufacturing operation outside of California. SeaCa Packaging was initially created in 1991 to service central California’s produce industry with high-graphic corrugated boxes. As they grew, SeaCa Packaging incorporated a product line of extruded polypropylene 100% recyclable cartons with a goal of replacing wax corrugated boxes. This made in America product is for food-contact packaging and distribution.
“As we celebrate the expansion of SeaCa Packaging, we also recognize the impact that manufacturing has had on Greater Phoenix,” says Chris Camacho, president & CEO of Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “With more than 138,000 people in Greater Phoenix employed by the manufacturing industry, SeaCa Packaging is in great company. Their manufacturing facility in Surprise allows easy access to California and the supportive community environment in the area will enable their continued growth.”
SeaCa Packaging evaluated other cities, but ultimately selected Greater Phoenix for its expansion due to the location’s ability to meet its logistical needs and customer demand, lower cost of doing business, and availability of talent.
“The city of Surprise is pleased to welcome SeaCa Packaging to the community,” said City of Surprise Mayor Sharon Wolcott. “Our city, and the West Valley, is full of talent seeking opportunities to work closer to home. This not only expands those opportunities, but does so with a company that has a family-owned legacy of more than 100 years. As a family-focused city, this is a perfect fit for Surprise, and we look forward to being strong community partners.”
“SeaCa Packaging’s selection of Surprise is the latest in a string of wins for the West Valley, which continues to experience strong growth,” said Sandra Watson, President & CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “This project will create new manufacturing employment opportunities and generate significant capital investment in the community. We thank SeaCa Packaging for selecting Arizona, and look forward to supporting their success in our state.”
Greater Phoenix businesses supported the expansion of SeaCa Packaging to the region. Representing the tenant was Bill Honsaker from JLL and representing the landlord was Stein Koss with Lee & Associates Arizona, Inc.
