The manufacturing plant operated by Printpack Inc. in Elgin will cease operations in early 2026, leading to the layoff of 111 employees. The decision, announced through a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification filed with state authorities, indicates that the layoff process will commence in early January and continue through April. This closure marks the end of a facility that has been part of the community for over 30 years.
Jack Austin, Chief Operating Officer of Printpack, expressed regret over the impact of this decision on employees. In a statement, he acknowledged the dedication of the Elgin workforce, stating, “Our Elgin associates have demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism throughout the years. We are indebted to our Elgin associates for their resilience and will ensure an orderly and compassionate transition.”
Austin visited the Elgin plant in November to inform staff of the impending closure, attributing the decision to ongoing operational challenges that the company faced. According to an article by Plastics Today, this closure is part of a broader strategy as the Atlanta-based company, known for producing flexible and specialty rigid packaging, winds down its business at this location.
In response to the layoffs, Printpack plans to provide transfer opportunities for affected employees, as well as severance packages and career transition support. The company has emphasized its commitment to assisting workers during this difficult time.
Printpack has been in operation for 68 years, with 17 locations across the country. It supplies packaging for a range of markets, including fresh produce, pet care, snacks, and health care products. Recently, the company received a 2025 AmeriStar award for a new compostable package developed in collaboration with Mars Wrigley. This innovative packaging, created for Skittles, is made from renewable materials and decomposes within 90 days, showcasing Printpack’s dedication to sustainability.
The manufacturing sector plays a crucial role in the economy of Elgin, generating over $2 billion in economic activity annually, according to the Elgin Development Group (EDG). The industry employs more than 10,000 people in the area. Despite the impending closure of Printpack, the city has seen significant economic developments this year, such as the opening of Pregis, a protective packaging company that is expanding its Elgin facility with curbside recyclable paper mailers.
Additionally, Elgin Community College has initiated the construction of a new 150,000-square-foot Manufacturing and Technology Center. This $85 million project aims to meet the growing demand for skilled labor in fields like welding and automation and is expected to open in fall 2026.
As Printpack prepares to wind down its operations, the community of Elgin faces both the challenges of job losses and the opportunities presented by new economic initiatives that aim to bolster the local workforce.
