Area Development
Japan-based 114-year old Toppan Printing Co., Ltd will create 80 jobs and invest $100 million into a new production facility at The Lakes at Green Valley in Griffin, Georgia’s first eco-friendly park.

The roughly 127,000-square-foot facility will bolster the company’s capacity to supply transparent barrier films to packaging manufacturers in North America and Europe. The manufacturing facility will produce unique packaging solutions for food, medical and electronic applications. Upon completion, the facility will be the company’s first transparent barrier film manufacturing site outside of Japan.

“In addition to serving the U.S., the world’s largest packaging market, we are aiming to further expand our business in Georgia by supplying to Europe as well,” said Shingo Kaneko, President and Representative Director of Toppan Printing Co. “Toppan Printing has developed printing technologies that will help companies overcome the challenges faced by customers and provide total solutions that ensure sustainability.”

“The economic impact from our solid business ties with Japan is significant when market-leading companies such as Toppan Printing choose Georgia,” said Governor Nathan Deal. “Because this is the second Japan-based company to locate to this area, it’s clear our state is the ideal location for advanced manufacturing. I have no doubt that our highly skilled talent pool and advanced R&D resources will keep Toppan competitive in the global economy.”

While the foundation of the company is printing, the Governor’s Office said Toppan began the sale of transparent barrier film in 1986 and also provides direct services to consumers through clean energy and life science related business. The company’s GL Film has the world’s highest level barrier performance for substances including oxygen and water vapor offering a top brand of transparent barrier film that combines vapor deposition and coating technologies.

Due to changing food-packaging trends, such as a shift from glass bottles or metal cans to flexible packaging, Toppan is anticipating an increased demand for barrier film in the global packaging market, particularly in North America.

This is the second Japanese company to announce it is locating in what is considered to be the first eco-park in Georgia. This new Griffin location is a result from a partnership between the Griffin-Spalding Development Authority and Georgia Tech.

Joseph Huntemann, Project Manager at the Georgia Department of Economic Development, worked with the Griffin Spalding Development Authority to assist the company on behalf of the state of Georgia.

The Lakes at Green Valley property continues to attract quality companies due to its “build-ready” condition and natural features,” Chuck Copeland, chair of the Griffin-Spalding Development Authority. “We are pleased to have been selected by a company of the stature of Toppan, and look forward to continuing to work with them as their project progresses.”

“With projects like this, it’s clear that Georgia is a hotbed for international companies in the advanced manufacturing sector,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. “The establishment of the company’s new facility will serve as a magnet for additional companies in the manufacturing industry and will further strengthen our advanced manufacturing network.”