ROCKFORD — A Rockford manufacturer that makes packaging for major brands such as Hershey, Burt’s Bees and Mars Wrigley is investing $10 million in new high-speed equipment and expanding its workforce by 40% over the next year.
J.L. Clark, a 121-year-old company that makes custom metal and plastic packaging, said Wednesday that new state-of-the-art automated equipment and robotics would start arriving next month. The new machinery will coincide with growing the roughly 175-employee team by 70 workers during the next 12 months.
“Our investment in Rockford represents a commitment to innovation, growth, sustainability and ensuring J.L. Clark continues to thrive for the next 120 years,” said Bob Morris, president of J.L. Clark. “Our deep roots in this city make this investment especially meaningful. We’re incredibly proud to invest in the future of both our company and the Rockford community, continuing a legacy and building a stronger future together.”…