Valfilm USA

Industry Sector: Advanced Manufacturing

Valfilm USA, which markets and manufactures flexible plastic packaging materials, found a home in Ohio when it decided to a purchase a facility in Findlay from Dow Chemical in 2015. Ohio’s central location, talented workforce, and Findlay’s logistical appeal played a major role in Valfilm’s expansion into the U.S. The company is a subsidiary of Brazil-based Valgroup.  

With a history in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of flexible plastic packaging materials, Valfilm’s products are found in many sectors, including food & agribusiness, hygiene and cleaning, personal care, machines, pet food, industrial applications, distribution, retail, and many others. 

Valfilm seeks to lead the Americas in flexible plastic packaging materials and to be a contributor to innovation, quality of products, and personalized services. The company is also committed to continuous improvement in reducing environmental impacts and preventing pollution. 

Valgroup has become one of the largest producers, transformers, and recyclers of plastic, with more than 6,000 employees at 39 facilities throughout Brazil, Italy, Spain, and Uruguay. With sustainability at its core and integrated into business initiatives, Valgroup is working toward a future with an efficient circular economy in which plastics never become waste. Its goals include carbon neutrality and recycling 100% of the volume produced by 2040, contributing to hunger eradication, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and strict governance practices. 

Ohio is a leader in advanced manufacturing as the home of innovative companies embracing new ways of making things with additive manufacturing, automation, advanced materials, and other new technologies. Ohio’s manufacturing companies spend over $12 billion annually on research and development and produce $104.6 billion in manufacturing output. 

Ohio’s manufacturing sector employs more than 600,000 skilled workers, making it the third-largest manufacturing workforce in the U.S. Ohio also boasts the second-highest concentration of automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers. Companies enjoy lower manufacturing costs in the state compared to the nationwide average, in addition to the lowest taxes in the Midwest for capital-intensive manufacturing.  

Ohio’s central location, talented workforce, comprehensive and dependable infrastructure, as well as Findlay’s logistical appeal played a major role in Valfilm’s expansion into the U.S.  

Valfilm spent a decade exploring expansion in the U.S., but the company wasn’t sure where to start. Then, the company bought the Findlay plant from its former occupant Dow Chemical. Valfilm was already one of Dow’s largest customers and took advantage of the opportunity. In fact, 55 of the 72 former Dow employees transitioned to Valfilm, in addition to the 80 new jobs created by the company’s $9.5 million plant investment. 

Valfilm also cited additional advantages in choosing Ohio, like the nearby colleges and the support of the thriving plastics industry in Ohio. The company plans to continue growing and double its workforce, creating greater opportunity for Ohioans and further contributing to the state’s economic growth. 

Read more in the Valfilm success story. 

Related: Companies Across the Globe are Investing in Ohio 

With assistance from JobsOhio, Valfilm has significantly overperformed on its promise to retain existing jobs and increase its workforce. It also doubled its payroll and more than tripled its fixed asset investment, creating greater opportunity for Ohioans and further contributing to the state’s economic growth. 

Collaboration between companies and a partnership among JobsOhio, Regional Growth Partnership, and Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development helped to facilitate the purchase of the former Dow Chemical plant.  

In Ohio, organizations have access to an abundant and industrious talent pool, from technically inclined engineers and scientists to those in professional services and healthcare. This workforce is educated, committed, skilled, and productive.

Ohio recognizes the importance of continued investment to drive economic prosperity, stimulate funding, and create high-quality jobs. People from across the nation are finding the career they want and the lifestyle they deserve in Ohio. 

JobsOhio supports local Ohioans with job opportunities and businesses by connecting with local talent in Ohio. To explore career opportunities with Valfilm USA and other major businesses in Ohio, visit https://www.valgroupco.com/en/join-us/ and Find Your Ohio. 

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