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One of the leading global in-mold labeling specialists, Verstraete IML, anticipates future market growth, and takes logical steps towards increasing its production capacity. The company is currently in the preparation phase for the construction of a new plant in Clarksville (Tennessee, the U.S.) in collaboration with Constantia Flexibles, its parent company. Thanks to the new production site, Verstraete IML will better serve the IML market with the most rapid growth outside Europe. The commissioning of the plant, to house several finishing lines and printing presses, is expected for late 2017. Over fifty jobs will be offered. Total investment of Verstraete IML in the new U.S. facility over the next three years will be of $20 million.
IML in the North American market
The managing director of Verstraete IML, Koen Verstraete, to explain: “The decision to expand our production capacity with an international site is a huge step for our company. Going to North America will not only strengthen our position as global leader, but also give us direct access to […] the IML market with the best growth potential.”
The backing by Constantia Flexibles
Verstraete IML is part of Constantia Flexibles group, one of the global leaders in labeling and flexible packaging. The executive vice president of the Labels division of Constantia Flexibles, Mike Henry, comments on the news: “The new site is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, where Constantia Flexibles already has a paper and pressure sensitive labels plant, serving the American beverage and food market. This has many benefits, as [we have] the management, legal and technical experience […] to operate successfully and rapidly in the North American region.”
The unmatched Belgian IML expertise
The main production site in Belgium is currently preparing meticulously for the U.S. expansion. Koen Verstraete to add: “The plan for North America is ready to be executed. For more than a year, our U.S. team in Maldegem, Belgium, has been working on a roadmap for Verstraete IML USA. The production unit in North America will be run in the same fashion as Verstraete IML in Belgium in terms of production process and quality. Basically, [this is] representing the twenty-eight years of our IML know-how.”
Both production facilities in Ursel and Maldegem, Belgium, will keep the same capacity levels: “The new production site in North America will result in shorter turnaround times and a more efficient response to market demand, both in North America and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Russia and CIS,” adds Verstraete.
