Jamaica Packaging Industries Limited (JPI), a subsidiary of Canadian Overseas Packaging Industries (COPI), marked its 70th anniversary with the official opening of a new, state-of-the-art corrugated packaging plant at 693 Spanish Town Road on Tuesday, April 29. 

The US$12.5 million (JM$2 billion) facility represents the company’s largest investment in its history and significantly increases its production capacity, while consolidating operations at a single location.

The milestone event brought together government officials, private sector stakeholders, and members of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) to celebrate JPI’s legacy and future-forward vision for Jamaica’s manufacturing sector.

Delivering the keynote address and commissioning the facility, Prime Minister Andrew Holness commended the company’s bold investment and commitment to national development. “This building exists along our historical industrial belt, Spanish Town Road going on to Marcus Garvey Drive. This was the core of manufacturing,” said Prime Minister Holness. “We are seeing a resuscitation of this corridor. More than eight major industrial renovations are taking place along Marcus Garvey and Mandela Highway. The government is supporting this resurgence by building infrastructure, creating special economic zones, and improving roadways like Spanish Town Road, which is now slated for a major overhaul after decades.” 

The new 75,000 sq. ft. factory is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a high-speed corrugator, folder gluer, modern die-cut machine, and the region’s first effluent treatment plant for a packaging facility, making it the most advanced corrugated plant in the English-speaking Caribbean. 

Conrad E. George, Chairman of JPI, emphasised the symbolic and economic significance of the investment: “This is the most significant investment in JPI’s 70-year history and a bold step into the future. It speaks to our confidence in Jamaica’s potential and the strength of our partnership with the Jamaican people. We are investing in machinery; we are investing in people, in opportunity, and in the promise of Jamaican industry.”

Gary Cole, Country Manager at JPI, echoed these sentiments while highlighting the practical benefits. “This facility marks a new era for JPI. With all operations consolidated at one location, we can now serve our customers with greater efficiency, faster turnaround times, and world-class quality. We’re proud to produce cartons right here in Jamaica that meet the highest international standards,” Cole said.

A Boost to Local Manufacturing and Jobs

JPI’s revitalised manufacturing operations are expected to increase local production capacity by more than 250% initially, with projections nearing 300% as the company ramps up output. This will significantly reduce the country’s reliance on imported cartons, over 60% of which were brought in over the past year, and provide essential packaging solutions to sectors including agriculture, food and beverage, and export. The facility’s operation is also a major boost for employment and skills development, supporting high-quality jobs for operators, technicians, and supervisors while creating pathways for long-term careers in industrial manufacturing.

A Legacy of Innovation and Partnership

Founded in 1955, JPI has played a foundational role in Jamaica’s manufacturing industry. After halting local manufacturing in 2000 and operating solely as a distributor, the company re-entered manufacturing in 2017 with the acquisition of local competitor Corrpak. This most recent investment represents the culmination of strategic growth, innovation, and tenacity. “For 70 years, we’ve been a proud partner in Jamaica’s economic journey,” George shared. “This new chapter solidifies our legacy and our future. It represents our mission to provide high-quality packaging solutions while delivering exceptional service to our clients and contributing meaningfully to the country’s industrial development.”

Environmental Leadership

JPI’s new factory also signals a strong commitment to sustainability. The inclusion of an effluent treatment plant, the first of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean for this sector, underscores the company’s environmental stewardship and aligns with Jamaica’s broader goals for responsible industrial growth.

As the first phase of a multi-stage growth strategy, JPI’s expansion positions it as the premier provider of corrugated packaging in the region and a vital player in the Caribbean’s industrial future.