BURLEY, Idaho (AP) — Officials with a Michigan-based plastic plant say they will break ground on a $50 million facility in south-central Idaho. 
Fabri-Kal Corp will employ 50 people when the plant opens in Burley later this year, The Times-News of Twin Falls, Idaho, reported Thursday.
"We are excited to expand our plastic thermoforming footprint west of the Rockies while growing our material offering at the same time," said Chuck Garlock, the company's vice president of sales and marketing. "The new plant-based ag-fiber material will ... support our commitment to providing sustainable packaging solutions in the foodservice, consumer product and retail markets."
Construction on the 100,000-square-foot plant will begin in late March.
Fabri-Kal, a food container manufacturer, operates three other plants across the country.
The company is the latest plastics manufacture clustering in southern Idaho, including Solo Cup Co., Hilex Poly and Spears Manufacturing.
Idaho has the largest so-called "plastics cluster" in the state, and "as we expand that cluster, it is easier to attract talent," said Jan Rogers, Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization executive director.
The company qualified for a tax incentive because it will provide 20 new jobs higher than the average county wage, said Idaho Department of Commerce Megan Ronk. In Cassia County, the average annual wage is roughly $30,600.
Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter said in a statement that the plant will create new career opportunities for families in the Magic Valley.
"On behalf of the state of Idaho, Cassia County, and city of Burley, we look forward to being a partner in helping the company achieve success for many years to come," Otter said.
