JBM Packaging scales contract operations with new 52,500-square-foot Ohio plant

The contract packaging sector continues to consolidate its position as a critical growth vector for paper converters. JBM Packaging has officially inaugurated its new 52,500-square-foot facility in Lebanon, Ohio, a strategic move that directly responds to the escalating demand for integrated filling, kitting, and material fulfillment services. Located just one mile from the company’s headquarters, this expansion marks a pivotal moment for the eco-friendly paper packaging provider.

A calculated investment in capacity

Following a year of construction and an initial investment of approximately $7 million announced during the 2025 groundbreaking, the new purpose-built operation is now fully online. The numbers reflect a clear aggressive growth strategy: the facility increases JBM's machine capacity by 50 percent and creates room to employ up to 50 new team members. This is not merely about adding square footage; it is about optimizing the workflow for consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies that increasingly demand end-to-end paper-based solutions.

Marcus Sheanshang, president and CEO of JBM Packaging, emphasized the operational necessity of this move. The company had launched its contract packaging business in a rented space in Queensgate back in 2021, but the market's appetite for outsourced packaging services quickly outpaced their physical footprint. By bringing these operations closer to their main hub, JBM significantly reduces transit times for materials and personnel, tightening their supply chain efficiency.

Integrating social responsibility with industrial growth

Beyond the hardware and logistics, the expansion serves as a catalyst for JBM's Fair Chance hiring program. In an industry often grappling with labor shortages, JBM has turned social integration into a competitive advantage. The program provides employment opportunities to individuals facing barriers to traditional employment, including those who have experienced incarceration. Currently, approximately 40 percent of JBM's workforce has been hired through this initiative.

• Operational boost: 50% increase in machine capacity for filling and kitting.
• Strategic location: Proximity to the Lebanon headquarters streamlines material movement.
• Workforce development: Creation of 50 new jobs, heavily supported by the Fair Chance program.

As we navigate the second half of 2026, the packaging industry is witnessing a clear trend: brands want fewer touchpoints in their supply chains. Converters that can manufacture the eco-friendly pouch, print it, and fill it under one roof are capturing premium margins. JBM's new facility frees up space at their headquarters for future paper-packaging equipment while dedicating a specialized hub entirely to fulfillment.

JBM Packaging’s expansion is a textbook example of how mid-sized converters can successfully pivot from pure manufacturing to high-value service provision, securing deeper integration with their clients' supply chains. Will we see more paper packaging manufacturers acquiring or building dedicated contract packaging facilities to control the entire fulfillment lifecycle? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai