In-mould labels producer Verstraete IML (Maldegem / Belgium; www.verstraete-iml.com) is taking its first step abroad and plans to commission a new facility in Clarksville, Tennessee / USA in H2 2017. Located at an existing plant operated by its parent Constantia Flexibles (Vienna / Austria; www.cflex.com), the facility will have multiple printing press and finishing lines, and a workforce of about 55. Altogether, Verstraete IML intends to invest EUR 18m in Clarksville over the course of three years.

Vertraete IML managing director Koen Verstraete said, “The decision to expand our production capacity with an international site is a huge step for our company,” adding that North America is the IML market with the best growth potential. The site will allow the company to operate closer to its non-European customer base, and respond more efficiently to demand in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the CIS states.

The company will continue operating its two Belgian plants – located at headquarters and in Ursel – at the same capacity levels. About 65% of the output of these two facilities is currently destined for the European market, with the remaining 35% exported to other world regions.