Printpack Inc. will close its manufacturing plant in Elgin, Illinois, in early 2026, impacting 111 employees. The layoff process will commence in January and continue through April, according to documents submitted to the state’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN). The facility, located at 1400 Abbott Drive, has been part of the community for over 30 years, contributing to the local economy and providing numerous jobs.
Chief Operating Officer Jack Austin expressed regret over the decision, stating, “It is never easy to make a decision that affects the lives and livelihoods of our association.” He acknowledged the dedication of the Elgin workforce, adding that the company is committed to ensuring a “compassionate transition” for affected employees. Employees were informed of the closure during a visit by Austin in November, as reported by Plastics Today. The company cited ongoing operational challenges as the reason for the closure.
Printpack, based in Atlanta, specializes in flexible and specialty rigid packaging for various sectors, including fresh produce, pet care, snacks, and healthcare products. The company has been operational for 68 years and currently manages 17 facilities across the United States. In a recent highlight, Printpack collaborated with Mars Wrigley to develop a compostable packaging solution for Skittles, earning a prestigious 2025 AmeriStar award for innovation in packaging.
Local Economic Impact and Future Developments
The closure of the Elgin plant underscores the challenges facing the local manufacturing sector, which generates over $2 billion in economic activity annually, according to the Elgin Development Group (EDG). The sector employs more than 10,000 people in the region. In response to these challenges, the city has seen significant developments this year, including the opening of Pregis, a protective packaging company that produces curbside recyclable paper mailers. Pregis is expanding its Elgin facility to meet growing demand.
Additionally, Elgin Community College has broken ground on a new $85 million Manufacturing and Technology Center, set to open in fall 2026. This initiative aims to address the demand for skilled labor in fields such as welding and automation, providing local residents with enhanced training opportunities.
Despite the impending job losses, Printpack has announced plans to offer transfer opportunities, severance packages, and career transition support to its Elgin employees. As the company winds down operations, the focus remains on providing assistance to those impacted by this decision.
The closure of the Elgin plant represents a significant shift in the local manufacturing landscape, highlighting both the challenges and developments within the industry.
