Dart Container Corporation, one of the world’s largest food and beverage packaging manufacturers, will invest $40 million to establish its new technical and innovation center, 15 miles south of Lansing, in Mason, Michigan.

According to company officials, the project is expected to create at least 136 new jobs in the Greater Lansing region in such areas as engineering and the skilled trades.

Dart’s expansion is being supported by a $1 million Michigan Economic Development Corporation grant from the Michigan Business Development Program, which provides economic assistance to businesses that create jobs and investment in The Great Lakes State. In addition, Alaiedon Township also is supporting the project through a tax abatement.

The project includes:

Construction of a 250,000-square-foot facility on 38 acres in Alaiedon Township adjacent to Dart’s existing corporate campus in Mason. The two-story technical and innovation center will feature 80,000 square feet for offices and 170,000 square feet devoted to the development and production of prototype packaging solutions.

Renovation of existing space to expand Dart’s tooling and machine manufacturing operations from 215,000 square feet to 330,000 square feet.

“We are excited that our continued growth has enabled us to invest another $40 million at our corporate headquarters in Mason and bring at least 136 new administrative, engineering, technology and skilled trade jobs to our region and state,” Dart Container President Jim Lammers said. “Our founders launched our company in Mason 57 years ago, and we remain committed to mid-Michigan because we can attract and retain employees with diverse skills and strong work ethics.”

Lammers noted that Dart Container was founded on engineering innovation that led to technical competitive advantages in the food and beverage packaging industry. “We are continuing that tradition by creating a dedicated center that will consolidate and expand our engineering and technology functions,” he stated. “The center will allow us to optimize collaboration, increase our ability to create prototypes and spur innovative product development for our customers.”

“We understand that every day companies make choices about where to expand and grow so we congratulate and thank Dart Container for choosing the Lansing market as a place to grow once again,” said Lansing Economic Area Partnership President Bob Trezise. “We think we have one of the top advanced manufacturing labor forces in the world along with an international culture to attract and retain talent. What a win for Alaiedon Township and Lansing and Michigan.”

“Dart Container’s investment in the Lansing area means good jobs for Michigan residents that could well have gone to other states,” said Jeff Mason, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the state’s chief marketing and business attraction arm that administers programs and performs due diligence on behalf of the MSF. “Dart’s decision to expand in Michigan underscores our business-friendly environment and talented workforce.”