Dart Container Corporation announced plans to expand its existing presence in eastern Hillsborough County with the construction of a 400,000-square-foot warehouse, in Plant City.
Dart is investing $14 million in the project, and up to two dozen new jobs are expected to result from the expansion.
“Since opening our manufacturing facility in 1983, Dart has been a strong supporter of our local community,” said Jimmy Rigdon, Dart’s Plant City manager. “We’re pleased that we can continue our commitment to the area with the new distribution center. The warehouse will enable us to continue to provide our customers with the exceptionally reliable service they expect from our company.”
Headquartered in Mason, Mich., Dart Container has 45 locations in eight countries. The company has more than 14,000 employees, including about 230 in its 480,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Plant City. Dart’s 2012 acquisition of Solo Cup Company has expanded the company’s product offerings and spurred the need for additional warehouse space in Florida. Construction of the new building is expected to begin in the next two months, with estimated completion in mid-2014.
“Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to join the staff and families of Dart Container as they celebrated 30 years in Plant City,” said the Hon. Ken Hagan, chairman of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. “They are an important part of our community, and it’s a pleasure to congratulate them on this significant expansion.”
“This is incredible news for the residents of Plant City, and we thank Dart Container for its continued commitment to our community,” said Plant City Mayor Mary Thomas Mathis. “As we work to bring more quality jobs and investment to Plant City, Dart Container stands out as a true story of partnership and success. We expect this to be the first of many announcements as we grow our business base.”
Last year, Plant City approved a moratorium on the collection of transportation mobility fees to increase the community’s competitiveness in pursuing high-impact economic development projects. As a result of this program, Dart Container will receive a fee waiver of $139,200. Additional project assistance was provided by the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance.