Forest Packaging Expands Into New 113,464-Square-Foot Facility
Forest Packaging, an Elk Grove, Illinois-based designer and assembler of corrugated products and displays, is preparing to relocate to a new 113,464-square-foot facility at 1450 Bowes Road following unanimous approval of a zoning change.
The new facility offers nearly three times the space of the company’s current location at 1955 Estes Ave. in Elk Grove Village. According to President John Kula, the larger facility will provide Forest Packaging with the space needed to support its long-term growth plans.
Kula said the company was attracted to Elgin’s strong manufacturing community and the opportunity to establish a facility that could support its operations for decades. Its proximity to Elgin Community College is also expected to help the company attract potential employees as it expands its workforce.
The vacant building, located at the northeast corner of Bowes Road and South McLean Boulevard, was previously occupied by snack food manufacturer TH Foods Inc. Forest Packaging does not manufacture corrugated material itself but focuses on designing and assembling corrugated products, including boxes, through processes such as printing, cutting, folding and gluing.
The company operates as an integrated, closed-loop business, managing activities from product design through delivery in-house. Kula said he aims to double the company’s current operations over the next five to 10 years.
The new facility is expected to operate across two shifts, from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Community Development Director Marc Mylott said the company is expected to employ between 44 and potentially 60 people.
No exterior modifications are planned for the building. Forest Packaging expects to become fully operational at the new facility by the end of the second quarter of next year, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion and long-term growth strategy.
