(Photo courtesy of Huhtamaki North America)

Huhtamaki North America plans to transform this Goodyear facility into a manufacturing and distribution center.

(Photo courtesy of Huhtamaki North America)

Foodservice packaging company Huhtamaki North America plans to use this Goodyear facility as a distribution and manufacturing center serving the Southwest and Southern California.

Increased demand for certain paper products could pay off for the West Valley. The Finland-based company behind Chinet disposable tableware plans to open a manufacturing and distribution center in Goodyear.

Huhtamaki North America spokesman Wess Hudelson said the Goodyear location will produce paper and plastic cups, plates and other food packaging for the growing Southwest and southern California markets.

“You know we’re all living lives where we need to eat fast and run on to the next thing and this is the kind of thing that supports that industry," said Hudelson.              

While Goodyear’s location near Interstate 10 and Interstate 8 was a big draw, Hudelson said it really came down to the facility.

“The building itself is a nice shape so you know, you put in the raw materials in one side and you can convert those materials then right out the other side when you go to ship it out,” Hudelson said.

The 750,000-square-foot facility is expected to open early next year as a distribution center. By late next year, they plan to be producing paper and plastic products. Hudelson said the center could eventually employ up to 300 people.

Arizona Commerce Authority spokeswoman Susan E. Marie told KJZZ that Huhtamaki is eligible to apply for the Qualified Facilities Tax Credit program. 

Goodyear Economic Development Director Michelle Lawrie said the city has submitted an incentives proposal to Huhtamaki which includes waiving some fees, but the final approval must still be made by the City Council.