J.L. Clark invests $10M to expand custom packaging manufacturing facility in Illinois
J.L. Clark has announced plans to expand its custom packaging manufacturing facility in Rockford, Illinois. The company, which supplies high-quality metal and plastic packaging for premium consumer brands, is investing more than $10 million in new high-speed equipment and will increase its workforce by 40% over the next year.
The expansion supports J.L. Clark’s long-term growth plans and will boost its capabilities across coating, printing, metal fabrication, and plastic packaging. The investment will enhance the company's ability to offer fully integrated packaging solutions at a single site. The company currently employs 175 people at its Rockford headquarters.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, Robert Morris, President, J.L. Clark, said, “Our investment in Rockford represents a commitment to innovation, growth, sustainability, and ensuring J.L. Clark continues to thrive for the next 120 years. 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.”
Tom McNamara, Mayor, City of Rockford, added, “This announcement is more than just economic development — it’s a powerful vote of confidence in our city, our workforce, and our future. J.L. Clark is investing in the people who make Rockford such an economically vibrant and highly attractive place to do business, and we couldn’t be prouder to welcome the talented workers who will help fill these new jobs in Rockford.”
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About the Author
Alexis GajewskiAlexis Gajewski
Senior Content Strategist
Alexis Gajewski is a manufacturing writer and editor with nearly 20 years of experience covering the people, practices, and technologies that keep industrial facilities running. For more than a decade, she served as Senior Content Strategist for Plant Services, creating content for plant managers, engineers, and maintenance professionals on a variety of industrial topics.
During her tenure, Alexis worked to develop the brand’s digital strategy and helped launch and produce Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast. She also created The Lighter Side of Manufacturing, a weekly blog that explored the inventive and sometimes humorous side of the industry.
Alexis co-founded Influential Women in Manufacturing, a recognition program that honored 49 women in its first two years, earned an industry award for Best Product Launch, and received a proclamation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and a commendation from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.
She also led newsroom operations and development at a large media company where she set editorial standards, developed training curriculum, and helped support AI adoption for more than 150 editors across 80+ brands spanning manufacturing, industrial processing, automation, and more.
Additionally, Alexis works as a freelance writer and editor, and her areas of interest include continuous improvement, the skilled workforce, and the role of emerging technology on the plant floor.
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