Reinforcing his Opportunity Returns pledge to spur business growth in Southwest Illinois, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced more than $200,000 to support the expansion of Gateway Packaging in Granite City. As a result, the company has increased manufacturing capacity and installed advanced machinery and equipment that has lead to more than $2.9 million in private investment. The company currently has more than 100 employees at its Granite City operation and plans to hire 20 new employees as a result of the new equipment and expected business growth.

“Through Opportunity Returns, we’re partnering with all sizes and types of companies to create jobs and stimulate economic growth,” said Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. “Gateway Packaging is on the edge of something big, and it is delivering new technology and jobs to this region. One of our most vital missions is to continue investing in companies that are growing, expanding and creating jobs for our working families in Southwest Illinois and throughout the state.”

The funding has brought state-of-the-art packaging technology to Southwest Illinois. This installation is the first of its type in North America and will allow Gateway Packaging to offer its customers new, revolutionary ways to package their products.

“Thanks to Gov. Blagojevich’s support, we’re able to grow our company and better serve our customers through new technology,” said Roger Miller, President and CEO at Gateway Packaging. “Our company is enhancing our bottom line with new products that will strengthen our business in Illinois.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is administering this business investment deal. DCEO will make available Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credits based on job creation over a ten-year period, an Employer Training Investment Program grant to upgrade the skills of its workforce, as well as Enterprise Zone investment and job creation credits arising from the company’s location within an enterprise zone.

Gateway Packaging Company provides flexible packaging for the food, industrial product and pet food industry and has been doing business in Illinois for 25 years. The company has grown into a full service packaging company that offers performance packaging, including lidding, labels, rollstock or bags, as well as in-house printing and bag design.