State officials today announced that Treplar, a food packaging manufacturing company, plans to invest $50 million in Berkeley County, resulting in about 600 jobs.
“What is going on in the Eastern Panhandle is phenomenal beyond belief,” Gov. Jim Justice said during this morning’s announcement at the annual business summit hosted by the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
“But what is going on all across this state is absolutely a movement towards jobs and opportunity for our kids and so many, many things right at our fingertips. It is un-flat believable, and we don’t need to get in our own way. Let’s just keep it rolling, and keep it rolling in every way.”
Treplar aims to “help food businesses seamlessly transition away from banned single-use plastic to a more sustainable product that benefits our industry — and the planet.”
The governor said Treplar “is on the cutting edge of making a product that is food wrapping that is completely biodegradable at your home.”
Justice said the enterprise in Martinsburg is already well under way.
“The company has already set up a state-of-the-art facility, deployed cutting-edge equipment and has hired a skilled workforce aiming to begin production in the upcoming months,” Justice said.
Company President Murat Ogulcan expressed appreciation for the state’s support.
“Our journey began many years ago with a simple question: How can we reimagine packaging to be both functional and environmentally responsible?” he told the crowd gathered at The Greenbrier Resort.
“Today we are thrilled to be here to introduce our company Treplar at our new home in West Virginia. Our new product is a catalyst for change. Our trays for food packaging are recycle-ready to reduce waste and respond to increasing demands for products that are kind to the environment.”