Printpack Inc. has announced the closure of its manufacturing plant in Elgin, Illinois, which has operated for over 30 years. The facility will cease operations early in January 2026, resulting in the layoff of 111 employees. This decision was confirmed in documents filed with the state’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, which indicates that layoffs will continue through April 2026.
The Chief Operating Officer of Printpack, Jack Austin, expressed his regret regarding the decision, stating, “It is never easy to make a decision that affects the lives and livelihoods of our association.” He acknowledged the dedication and professionalism of the Elgin workforce, emphasizing the company’s commitment to providing an orderly and compassionate transition for affected employees. Austin had visited the plant in November to inform workers about the impending closure, a move attributed to “ongoing operational challenges,” as reported by www.plasticstoday.com.
Printpack, headquartered in Atlanta, specializes in flexible and specialty rigid packaging for various markets, including fresh produce, pet care, snacks, and health care products. The company, which has been in business for 68 years, operates 17 facilities across the United States. Notably, it recently collaborated with Mars Wrigley to develop a new compostable packaging for Skittles, which earned a 2025 AmeriStar award for innovation in the packaging industry.
In response to the layoffs, Printpack plans to offer transfer opportunities for employees at the Elgin facility, along with severance packages and career transition support. This initiative aims to assist those affected as they navigate this significant change.
The manufacturing sector plays a crucial role in Elgin’s economy, generating over $2 billion in annual economic activity, according to the Elgin Development Group (EDG), a division of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce. The sector employs more than 10,000 people in the region. Despite the closure of the Printpack plant, the city has seen new developments in the manufacturing landscape this year.
The opening of Pregis, a protective packaging company that produces curbside recyclable paper mailers, marks a positive shift as it expands its operations in Elgin. Additionally, Elgin Community College has initiated construction on a 150,000-square-foot Manufacturing and Technology Center. This $85 million project aims to address the increasing demand for skilled labor in fields such as welding and automation, with an expected completion date in fall 2026.
As Elgin faces the challenges of workforce reductions, these new initiatives highlight the city’s ongoing commitment to fostering growth and resilience within its manufacturing sector.
