Lisbon company celebrates completion of $1M self-funded expansion project

Global-Pak cut the ribbon on its next chapter in Lisbon with a major upgrade to its operations Thursday.

The company funded its own one million dollar expansion including new offices and conference rooms-- an accomplishment symbolizing a milestone in their journey from humble beginnings.

"Our initial startup in 1998, there was just two of us, so it's grown a long way since then," Global-Pak president Jim Foster said. "We're now at 46 employees."

Global-Pak first established roots in Columbiana County with help from the Port Authority to kickstart their industrial bulk packaging manufacturing business. Though the company is now among the nation's largest suppliers, Foster said their global outreach and success is because of their emphasis on keeping things local.

"That's one of the big things you think about, that there's 46 families that have income from our business and from the original idea that we had," Foster noted. "I wish more companies saw the value in being in the local area and what they can do in the local area, and how convenient it is to grow a business."

Foster added the office's addition means the company can continue to grow in the coming years, while still offering flexibility and collaboration opportunities for employees.