(Sunman, Ind.) - As many as 50 new jobs are coming to Sunman as J&J Packaging has announced a $2.5 million expansion.

J&J Packaging in Sunman.

The news broke during the Ripley County Economic Development Corporation’s annual dinner Tuesday evening.

J&J Packaging provides paperboard and thermoformed packaging services and supply chain solutions to customers in a variety of industries.

The company’s multi-million dollar investment at its facility on Meridian Street will upgrade equipment and supplement its growing gift card packaging line of business.

Fifty new jobs in packaging and distribution could be created by 2013 at the Sunman location which already employs nearly 500 people.

Some of the new employees could be added before the end of 2010. People interested should apply in person at the Sunman location.

"Companies are realizing that when it’s time to expand, there's no better place or better growth climate than Indiana," said Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "J&J Packaging's expansion would be welcome news anywhere in Indiana, but it's especially significant because it's happening in a smaller community like Sunman."  

"Our location gives us a great advantage in serving the population base of the United States.  Indiana's help has made it a positive experience in promoting our success as a business during tough economic times while being a good employer to our employees.  We will endeavor to keep a close relationship with the state leadership into the future," said Bob Leitgabel, chief executive officer of J&J Packaging.

Up to $200,000 in performance-based tax credits and $40,000 in training grants are being offered by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation based on J&J’s job creation plans.

The town of Sunman could offer a property tax abatement as well.

"It's great news to hear a good corporate citizen like J&J Packaging is able to land a major account that will add 50 new jobs that will benefit the citizens in and around Sunman. We feel very fortunate to have them as a part of our business community," said Wayne Jenner, Sunman Town Council president.