Area Development
Mid South Extrusion, which produces polyethylene film for food packaging and other consumer and industrial uses, is investing $4.9 million to add a 12th production line at its manufacturing facility in Monroe, Louisiana.

The new production line is a direct response to the growing demand for food packaging, and comes on the heels of the Global Food Safety Initiative’s certification of the company’s Food Safety Management system. The expansion will allow Mid South to meet the growing demand for polyethylene film, the thin, lightweight plastic sheeting that is used to seal and protect a wide variety of packaged industrial and consumer products, according to Louisiana Economic Development (LED). Installation is expected to be complete and the new production line commercially operational by the end of 2022.

“Along with increasing our production capacity, this investment allows us to continue to target new markets and capitalize on our momentum in the food packaging sector,” said Mark Kent Anderson, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Mid South. “We love our state and community, and knowing that we have the support of our local and state officials makes reinvestment and growth in Louisiana an easy decision. Plastics is an industry that is in high demand due to the industry’s commitment to growth, innovation and sustainability. Mid South Extrusion is looking forward to our continued growth in Monroe for many years to come.”

The State of Louisiana provided the company with a competitive incentive package that includes $170,000 from the state’s Retention and Modernization Program. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s Enterprise Zone and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.

“I applaud Mid South’s investment in the growth of its team and its facility, which will increase economic activity in the Northeast Region of the state,” Governor John Bel Edwards said. “Mid South’s role in the food packaging supply chain illustrates the importance of Louisiana’s contribution in this sector. Food production remains critical in the United States and beyond, and it is reliant on packaging. This investment contributes to these important national and global interests.”

Since it was established in 1986, Mid South Extrusion has steadily expanded its operation from a 17,000 square-foot facility with four employees to a 215,000 square-foot site with nearly 200 employees. The company serves a wide array of sectors, including agriculture, consumer products, e-commerce, food and beverage, and industrial applications.

“We are proud to have Mid South Extrusion as part of our existing industry base, as well as our community,” North Louisiana Economic Partnership President and CEO Justyn Dixon said. “This decision to increase their footprint in North Louisiana emphasizes the area’s dedicated workforce and strategic location.”