A new flexible-packaging manufacturing site
Morris Packaging plans to build a $60.9 million production plant in Lebanon, Kentucky, creating 276 full-time jobs in Marion County. The facility will add printing and bag-converting capacity for the privately held manufacturer. Construction is expected to be completed in October 2025.
The new building will occupy more than 100,000 square feet and provide space for future growth. Morris Packaging intends the plant to offer customers another production option within its national manufacturing network. Safe Quality Food certification forms part of the announced project plan.
Packaging and associated customer services
Morris Packaging supplies flexible packaging for customers in several industries, including pet food and human food. Its services include packaging design, brand services, warehousing, inventory management and logistics management. The company is headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, with production locations in Minnesota and Missouri.
Owner and chief executive Jim Bob Morris welcomed the planned expansion into Lebanon and surrounding communities. He described sustainable flexible packaging as a continuing part of the company’s business and expressed interest in recruiting employees for the new operation.
Planned investment and employment support
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved a 15-year agreement under the Kentucky Business Investment programme. The performance-based arrangement can provide up to $4.8 million in tax incentives, linked to a detailed investment figure of $60.85 million and annual employment and compensation targets.
The negotiated hiring schedule begins with 51 jobs at activation and 75 in agreement year one. It rises to 200 in year five and 276 in year ten, remaining at 276 through year fifteen. The average hourly wage target is $30 including employee benefits throughout the schedule. Eligibility depends on annual targets; this compensation figure is not a cash-only wage.
Local project partners and workforce resources
Governor Andy Beshear announced the project on 10 April 2025. Marion County Judge/Executive David Daugherty, Lebanon Mayor Gary Crenshaw and Marion County Economic Development director Brooklyn Leep welcomed the investment and prospective jobs.
Morris Packaging can also use Kentucky workforce-service resources, including recruitment and job-placement services, customised training and job-training incentives. The investment and employment commitments remain planned project measures, while the tax-support arrangement is preliminary and conditional.
Announced project parameters
- Investment: $60.9 million; detailed incentive basis: $60.85 million.
- New building: more than 100,000 square feet.
- Employment: 276 planned full-time positions.
- Potential tax incentives: up to $4.8 million.
- Incentive agreement: 15 years, subject to annual targets.
Company and contact
Morris Packaging. Company enquiries and information: morrispkg.com.
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