A global manufacturer of consumer and specialty packaging, Huhtamaki, Inc., will invest $8.48 million to expand its Hammond, Indiana, manufacturing facility.

The company, a subsidiary of Finland-based Huhtamäki Oyj, will expand its production capabilities to accommodate increased demand for its recycled paper products. As part of the project, the company will purchase additional manufacturing equipment for its facility located at 6629 Indianapolis Blvd. in Hammond, The firm, which currently employs more than 115 full-time Hoosiers at its fiber molding plant, is hiring and training additional manufacturing associates.

“Huhtamaki is not only the latest international firm to have taken notice of our state’s business-friendly climate, but its decision is further evidence that Indiana can compete and win on the international stage,” said Dan Hasler, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “In fact, the number of international firms currently considering an investment in Indiana has jumped more than 50 percent since 2010. This is thanks to our re-focused, more direct approach to cultivating relationships with companies abroad so that when they look to invest in the U.S. market, our state is top of mind.”

“This investment reflects Huhtamaki’s confidence in our facility,” said Rich Blastic, Huhtamaki’s Hammond plant manager. “The company has made significant investments in our operations over the past four years and our past business success justifies this expansion.”

As an incentive, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Huhtamaki, Inc. up to $115,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The firm plans to hire about a dozen new employees. In addition the city of Hammond offered additional property tax abatement.

“The city of Hammond is proud to support Huhtamaki in their expansion efforts. Huhtamaki has operated in the city for nearly 65 years and has been a great corporate citizen and partner over the years,” said Mayor Thomas McDermott, Jr. “The investment Huhtamaki is making in the Hammond location is a sign of the company’s commitment to the city and will pave the way for the company to grow their customer base, while employing additional people.”