Berry Plastics Consider Major Thermoforming Expansion

Berry Plastics Corporation announced that Packerware Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Berry, is being considered for a major expansion to increase Berry’s thermoform manufacturing capacity targeted for a third quarter 2006 start-up. Berry is evaluating the Lawrence, Kansas location for the project that could include a capital investment in equipment and building improvements in the first three years of up to $58 million. The project is expected to increase employment at the Lawrence operation by approximately 78 positions over the three-year period. Berry’s continued expansion plans call for a potential increase in capital investment and employment in years four and five of the project.