July 24, 2007 MORRISTOWN, TENNESSEE - VIFAN,
located in the Morristown Airport Industrial District, announced
a $72 million expansion. The investment will require additional
building, equipment and employees. The 130,000 square foot expansion
will add a new line to its production capabilities and will result
in approximately 55 new jobs for the Morristown area. VIFAN currently
employs 120 at the 300,000 square foot plant.
VIFAN manufactures both clear and metalized biaxially
oriented polypropylene, which is used primarily in the food packaging
industry. The company located in Morristown in 1998 and is part
of the VIBAC Group, an international manufacturing company based
in Italy. The Morristown facility is one of only three company locations
in North America. Two other facilities operate in Montreal, Quebec,
Canada.
According to Vittoriano DiLuzio, Executive Vice
President and General Manager for North American operations, “VIFAN
originally chose Morristown as its US operations because of its
proximity to the majority of its marketplace customers. This expansion
reconfirms the company’s plan to serve its American customers
and allows us to provide top service to them with flexibility and
efficiency.” DiLuzio credits the company’s success to
its workforce.
The company was originally brought to Morristown
in 1996 through contact by Paulo Tardao, Managing Director, TVA
Canada.
“TVA is pleased to partner with Morristown
Utility Systems, the Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce, the State
of Tennessee and city/county leaders to assist VIFAN USA, Inc. in
their facility expansion,” said John Bradley, Tennessee Valley
Authority, Senior Vice President of Economic Development. “We
congratulate VIFAN on this decision that creates more jobs and enhances
the quality of life for the community and region.”
“I’m pleased and gratified VIFAN USA
has chosen to make this investment in Tennessee,” said Gov.
Phil Bredesen. “This announcement is a strong endorsement
of “This announcement is a strong endorsement of the quality
work force found in our state and it demonstrates how close cooperation
with local communities and existing industry can result in the growth
of good jobs.”
Construction of the expansion is slated to begin
in October 2007 and is expected to be complete in November 2008
with the new metalizing line to be in full operation by January
2009.
