Manufacturer expands Vernon bottle decorating plant; new jobs

A big Vernon employer has added more jobs to the economy as it invests $1.2 million in its plant.

Universal Packaging Inc. is the largest bottle decorator in North America. The company screen prints labels for bottles. It's customers include wineries, distilleries and breweries throughout B.C. and the Pacific Northwest. It's been in business since 1985.

The money has bought a new decorating machine from Italy and a new Lehr kiln from Germany. The company added 6,000 square feet to it's Vernon warehouse last year.

"This investment shows we are committed to our incredible employees and the province," CEO Steve Pelkey says. "We have been hiring people because it helps the overall B.C. economy." So far, the company has added 12 to 15 new people to it's workforce. In total, Universal Packaging has 70 staff.

When asked if they plan to hire more staff, Pelkey replied, "we're always looking."

The new machines will increase the company's capacity by over 50%. It will mean faster turnarounds on customer orders.

"It will also improve our industry leading quality."

The company's services include screen printing, frosting/spraying bottles, plain glass sales, Vinolok closures, capsules, bar-top closures, printed cartons, graphic design, shipping and warehousing.

To contact the reporter for this story email halexander@infotelnews.ca, or call 250-309-5230.