Posted September 28, 2007

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee -- Southern Champion Tray, which has been manufacturing quality paperboard packaging products in Chattanooga for 80 years, has announced an expansion at the company's Compress Street plant. 

The project represents an investment of between $10 million and $12 million and is expected to create more than 50 new jobs over the next three years. Average salary for the new jobs is at least $40,000 annually or over 114 percent of the Hamilton County average wage.

"Our business is growing rapidly and we need to add more equipment and machinery," said John Zeiser, president and CEO of Southern Champion Tray. "This project will also include a minor expansion of our building to meet our growing customer base."

Zeiser expressed appreciation to the Tennessee Economic and Community Development Department, EPB, TVA, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and local public officials, for supporting the project and assisting with incentives.

"Southern Champion Tray has earned a reputation for product innovation and commitment to high principles in all its business practices," said Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield.  "We congratulate the company on this latest expansion that reflects the confidence of its clients and the quality of its products."

"It is fitting that in its 80th anniversary year Southern Champion Tray should celebrate its longevity and growth with a project that will bring 50 high-paying jobs to Chattanooga," said Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey. "Southern Champion is an example of a homegrown company that has succeeded through hard work, integrity and first-rate products."

"We're always pleased to see our existing companies grow and expand," said Chamber Vice President of Economic Development Trevor Hamilton. "We applaud Southern Champion Tray for its commitment to Chattanooga, which confirms our message that we have a great community for business."

Southern Champion Tray sells its products nationwide and in 13 foreign countries.

Products include paperboard folding cartons, high-end graphic packaging, sleeves, inserts, blister cards, point of purchase displays, and over 400 bakery and foodservice packaging items.

Markets served include bakery, food service, frozen foods, supermarket, institutional, medical, pharmaceutical, personal care, cosmetic, retail, electronics, entertainment, hardware, automotive, industrial, office supply, pet supplies, toys, sporting goods and textiles.

Among services offered by Southern Champion Tray are flexographic and lithographic printing, graphic design, structural design, cost-savings analysis, on-site carton erecting support, warehousing, freight transport, inventory management planning, die-cutting, folding and gluing, embossing and debossing and foil stamping.