Milo’s Tea Co., along with its supplier Altium Packaging LLC, opened a new packaging manufacturing operation adjacent to Milo’s original manufacturing and distribution center in Bessemer, Alabama.
Milo’s bottle blowing facility began full operations during the summer, creating 35 new jobs, and formally opened its doors on Sept. 4 with an on-site ribbon-cutting ceremony. At this facility, Altium will produce all of Milo’s one-gallon containers for Milo’s facilities in Bessemer and Homewood, Alabama.
Milo’s investment in the Bessemer community began when the company opened on the site of a former auto manufacturing operation in 2002. The original location spanned 30,000 square feet across three acres. Milo’s has invested about $65 million and grown its campus to almost 200,000 square feet across 50 acres.
“We are thrilled to launch this partnership with Altium Packaging and further our investment in the Bessemer community with the goal of creating pathways for prosperity in our ecosystem,” said Tricia Wallwork, Milo’s chair and CEO. “This new bottle blowing facility affirms our commitment to creating a lasting impact on ‘People, Planet and Profit.’”
The facility will produce Milo’s bottles in Bessemer rather than transporting them from off-site manufacturing locations, which will cut emissions associated with transportation, reduce waste and optimize production efficiency. The result will be 987 metric tons of avoided CO2 emissions, or the equivalent of removing 200 gas-powered vehicles from the roads each year.
“We are excited to partner with Milo’s on this new facility and see it come to fruition. It’s so meaningful to be a part of the Bessemer community and to bring jobs and growth to the market,” said Sean Fallmann, Altium’s president and CEO.
“At the same time, we’re able to have a significant impact on the environment as we reduce the number of vehicles transporting bottles and reduce CO2 emissions. Milo’s is a brand we have long seen as a valued partner who aligns with our values and goals, and we’re looking forward to a long, fruitful partnership.”
The bottle blowing facility will serve as a pilot for on-site packaging production at future Milo’s locations.
[RELATED: Milo’s Names Backstrom As CFO To Lead Financial Strategy]
