Mayor Robert Reichert was joined by local Economic Development and Pactiv officials for the Grand Re-Opening of the Pactiv facility in the Airport Industrial Park May 1, 2014. The 235,000 sq. ft. food packaging plant suffered a fire exactly one year ago that caused major damage to the facility. Because of Pactiv's commitment to their employees, customers and the community the company decided to rebuild in Macon. 

"Though it was a devastating fire, I was delighted to learn of Pactiv's commitment to remain in our community and continue to employ people here. The way organizations like the Industrial Authority and MEDC worked to help Pactiv through this difficult time shows the commitment we have to working with and supporting industry in Macon-Bibb," said Macon-Bibb County mayor, Robert Reichert. 

Pactiv is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of food service disposables and food packaging, operating over 50 manufacturing plants in several countries. The Macon plant produces millions of molded fiber egg cartons and food packaging items each year.

"We were confident in our decision to rebuild in Macon. This is a great workforce and this facility, when back to full production, should be the largest supplier of egg cartons in North America," said Pactiv President and CEO, John McGrath. "We'd like to give a special thank you to the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, local and regional organizations, the Pactiv workforce and customers for your patience, kindness and support over this past year." 

After the fire the community rallied behind Pactiv and their employees. The Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority issued bonds to support reconstruction of the facility and the Georgia Department of Labor was on-hand to help employees as well. The Middle Georgia Regional Airport offered space for the employees to meet. Pactiv offered employees the opportunity to work at their plant in Covington, GA or work on rehabilitating equipment salvaged from the facility. 

"On behalf of the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, we thank Pactiv LLC for making the commitment to rebuild their facility in our community.   On August 5^th, just three months after the unfortunate incident, The Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority issued its Industrial Revenue Bonds in the amount of $50 million to help finance the reconstruction of the facility. This company's unwavering support of their workforce and commitment to the Community was conveyed every step of the way and it was an honor working with them through the reconstruction process.  This Community is fortunate to have such a strong corporate citizen." said Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority chairman, Cliffard Whitby.

"Pactiv's decision to rebuild the Macon facility is a strong testament to the Macon and Middle Georgia workforce. When we meet with prospective new companies the availability of a qualified workforce is always a critical factor in their decision process. The fact that Pactiv made the decision to rebuild in Macon is proof positive that Macon and Middle Georgia have a strong, qualified workforce," states Walt Miller, Chairman of the Macon Economic Development Commission.