Rockford manufacturer behind major brands’ packaging embarks on $10M expansion
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A Rockford manufacturer that makes packaging for major brands such as Hershey, Burt’s Bees and Mars Wrigley is investing $10 million in new high-speed equipment and expanding its workforce by 40% over the next year.
J.L. Clark, a 121-year-old company that makes custom metal and plastic packaging, said Wednesday that new state-of-the-art automated equipment and robotics would start arriving next month. The new machinery will coincide with growing the roughly 175-employee team by 70 workers during the next 12 months.
“Our investment in Rockford represents a commitment to innovation, growth, sustainability and ensuring J.L. Clark continues to thrive for the next 120 years,” said Bob Morris, president of J.L. Clark. “Our deep roots in this city make this investment especially meaningful. We’re incredibly proud to invest in the future of both our company and the Rockford community, continuing a legacy and building a stronger future together.”
The announcement was made at its Rockford headquarters at 923 23rd Ave., which it has called home since 1911. The company was chartered seven years earlier, on Nov. 11, 1904. Before starting manufacturing, Clark had run a hardware store at 519 E. State St., which is now set to become Harvey Wallbangers.
Mayor Tom McNamara, 11th Ward Alderman Jaime Salgado and Sarah Leys, the city’s director of Community and Economic Development, joined J.L. Clark for the announcement.
“J.L. Clark obviously has a lot of confidence in their operations to move forward with such an expansion: more than $10 million, adding more than 70 employees right here in Rockford with good, livable wage positions,” McNamara said. “This announcement is more than just economic development — it’s a powerful vote of confidence in our city, our workforce, and our future.”
McNamara said the city will work with J.L. Clark to help it navigate any city, state and federal incentives that may be available to aid in the expansion. He said the city will also connect the company with Made for Rockford to aid in employee recruitment.
The jobs J.L. Clark will add include engineers, printing specialists, electricians, mechanics, tool and die makers, operators, distribution workers, and office and administrative personnel.
Morris said the investment will ripple through the community because of its reliance on local contractors and businesses to work on the expansion.
“If Mr. Clark was here he probably would say that the most important thing of all this is that we’re successful and the company performs well. Why? So we can take care of the community,” Morris said. “He always said take care of your customers, take care of your team, and take care of the community. That’s in our DNA.”
The investment is part of the company’s long-term growth plans. Morris said it strengthens J.L. Clark’s position as the only premium consumer packaging company that can handle everything from coating and printing to metal fabrication and plastic packaging all under one roof.
The company is responsible for the packaging you see on the shelves for some of the country’s most recognizable brands. They include Hershey’s Breathsavers, Mars Wrigley’s Altoids, a variety of spices from McCormick & Company, Carmex lip balm, Gallo Wine, which is also behind labels such a as Barefoot Wine and Apothic Red, Black Buffalo tobacco and Band-Aid, among others.
Morris said the new investment will be a “game-changer” for the company’s future.
“It’s necessary, the time is now,” he said. “We’re going to have the best quality, best packages out there.”
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
