In the Upstate region of South Carolina, Baxter Manufacturing is expanding its operations in Oconee County. With more than 40 years of experience, this family-owned, full-service supplier to the plastics industry plans to invest $15.7 million at its existing operation and will create 36 new jobs.
Established in 2017, the Baxter Manufacturing operation in Westminster is a Tier 1 supplier of manufactured plastic injection-molded automotive parts. The company will add 35,000 square feet and new machinery at this facility to increase its production capabilities and further meet the needs of its automotive customers.
“We are thrilled to be expanding our operations in Oconee County for a second time in less than eight years, a testament to the quality workforce and pro-business environment we have found here,” said Baxter Manufacturing President Bill Clark. “This expansion is a key part of our strategic vision, allowing us to better meet our customer demands and position ourselves for future growth. We deeply value the dedicated team members who have contributed to our success over the years and look forward to a bright future in the community.”
Said Oconee Economic Alliance President and CEO Jamie Gilbert, “It’s another ‘Top Shelf for Business’ day in Oconee County with Baxter Manufacturing’s expansion of their Westminster facility. Oconee County and Baxter have enjoyed a tremendous partnership since they established their facility here in 2017. They were the first manufacturer to locate to the Oconee Industry and Technology Park and have greatly exceeded their original expectations for the operation. Baxter’s growth in Oconee is reflective of the company’s strength, as well as Oconee’s excellent workforce and business climate. We appreciate Baxter’s commitment to our community and congratulate them on this exciting news.”
Operations are expected to be online in the third quarter of 2026.
Stretch Film Wrap Maker Opens In Lynchburg, VA
Virginia-based startup Polyzent Trading, will invest $1.1 million to develop the its first manufacturing site in the City of Lynchburg, Virginia. The company specializing in the manufacturing of stretch film wrap used for industrial palletizing and shipping.
“With our stretch-film manufacturing facility launching in December 2025, Polyzent is committed to producing high-quality cast film right here in Virginia,” said Polyzent Founder Dhaivat Patel. “Local extrusion means shorter lead times, consistent quality, and reduced dependence on foreign stretch-film imports. As we expand our capabilities into specialty films and sustainable packaging solutions, we invite Virginia manufacturers and national supply-chain partners to support American-made film and help build a stronger industrial future.”
“We are excited to welcome this Virginia-based manufacturer to the City of Lynchburg,” said Lynchburg Mayor Larry Taylor. “Their investment represents confidence in our city’s economy and workforce. Our strong manufacturing heritage and supportive climate make it the perfect place for companies like this to launch, grow, and succeed.”
Operations are scheduled to begin in December 2025, with the launch of a fully automated extrusion line capable of producing 40 to 50 tons of high-quality stretch film per month. At full capacity, the facility will create 20 new jobs across manufacturing, marketing, and management positions.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Lynchburg to secure the project for Virginia and will support Polyzent Trading’s job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, which provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs in order to support employee recruitment and training activities.
In Ohio, Intraplás Opens First U.S. Plant
In Van Wert, Ohio, the Portugal-based Intraplás has officially opened its new industrial facility where it will produce sustainable packaging solutions for dairy, plant-based and dessert applications.
The initial investment of approximately $46.2 million in the northwest Ohio site is the beginning of Intraplas consolidating its presence in the United States, strengthening proximity to North American customers.
The Van Wert facility is now fully operational, following the completion of installation, technical start-up, and all regulatory compliance validations required for the U.S. food packaging market, including FDA and Ohio Department of Agriculture (IMS) certifications.
Duarte Faria, CEO of Intraplás, said, “The official opening of this factory in the United States is an extraordinary milestone for Intraplás and for our global vision. It represents technology, talent, and the ambition to be closer to our customers — taking innovation and sustainability to a new level in the world’s largest packaging market.”
Intraplás has highlighted the institutional support and close collaboration of the entities that were instrumental to the success of this project — namely the U.S. Embassy in Portugal, the Portuguese Embassy in the United States, JobsOhio & Regional Growth Partnership, and the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation.
In the spring of 2026, Intraplás will host an official inauguration ceremony of the facility together with its teams, customers, business partners, and Portuguese and U.S. official entities.