Winpak Limited Underway with $50 Million Expansion in Manitoba

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Researched by Industrialinfo.com (Industrial Information Resources, Incorporated Houston, Texas). Winpak Limited (TSE:WPK) (Winnipeg, Manitoba), is currently involved with expansion projects at two of its plants in Winnipeg, Manitoba, totaling $50 million.

A $13 million expansion project is currently underway at American Biaxis Incorporated's plant, located on 170 Saulteaux Crescent in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Winpak has a 50% ownership in this plant. Construction started in the Fall of 2003 on the 25,000 square foot building and equipment expansion and is expected to be complete in the Fall of 2004. Dominion Construction Company Incorporated, headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, is the general contractor for the expansion.

In addition, an $8.5 million expansion project is currently underway at Winpak's 100 Saulteaux Crescent plant in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Construction started in April 2004 on a 140,000 square foot building expansion and is expected to be complete in the Fall of 2004. Man-Shield Construction Incorporated, headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, was awarded the general construction contract for this expansion.

The remaining $28.5 million will be spent on relocating equipment, and purchasing and installing new equipment, at both plants. Equipment bids for the projects are expected to go out in the Fall of 2004, with installation taking place in 2005.

Once all expansions have been completed, approximately 120 jobs will be created.

Winpak Limited is a publicly traded subsidiary of Finland-based Wihuri Oy, which produces modified atmospheric (vacuum) packaging, which removes air to improve the shelf life of perishable foods. Winpak was founded in Canada in 1975 under joint venture ownership with Wihuri Oy, which owns 52% of Winpak. Winpak is a manufacturer of packaging machines, and materials for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. Winpak makes specialty monolayer and nylon films and rigid plastic packaging containers and lids plus offers printing and laminating services. In 1986 Winpak became a public company listed on the Toronto and Winnipeg Stock Exchanges. In 1988 Winpak formed a 50% joint venture ownership with American Biaxis Incorporated with Nichimen Corporation of Japan in Winnipeg manufacturing and distributing biaxially oriented polyamide film (BOPA). Winpak currently has over 1,700 employees and their customers include H.J. Heinz and Kraft.

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