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Mundelein's Apak to expand in Racine

A Mundelein company that focuses on packaging dry ingredient food items announced plans Wednesday to expand its operations in a new facility in Racine, Wisconsin.

Apak Inc. officials said they plan to continue to operate on Tower Road in Mundelein as well. The expansion is just one of many that involve Illinois companies moving or adding operations just over the border in Wisconsin.

Apak contacted the Racine County Economic Development Corp. in mid-2013 with an initial search for land to construct a facility to accommodate the growing business. However, Apak realized that the business was growing at such a rapid rate that an existing building would be preferred, according to a release.

Apak successfully negotiated a lease with an option to purchase on 3801 S. Memorial Drive in Racine. The company is now moving forward with the purchase of the building and is looking to further grow its operations.

Apak was formed in 1975 as a father-son company in Chicago. After many years of supplying Chicago-based companies such as Proctor & Gamble, Jewel, Monogram Toys, Brach Candy and others, Apak decided to change its focus to packaging dry ingredient food items. Today, Apak's client list includes P&G, Wal-Mart, Costco, Walgreens, Target, Trader Joe's and The Dollar stores.

Ed and Susan Raynor are the owners of Apak, which currently employs 12 and plan to hire 34 full-time employees over the next three years, mainly in Wisconsin, according to a release.

Racine Mayor John Dickert was involved in the company meetings and he continues to encourage the company's growth in Racine.

"Racine is home to more than 200 manufacturing companies so Apak will be in company with its peers," Dickert said. "With our location in the Chicago-Milwaukee corridor, we are pleased with Apak's choice and we are excited to support this company as it continues to grow."

Late last year, Elk Grove Village-based OEM Industries announced plans for a new manufacturing, distribution and research and development facility in Kenosha County. Other companies that have announced plans to move or expand in Wisconsin include Uline, Kenall Manufacturing Co., Hanna Cylinders, EMCO Chemical Distributors, Konecranes, Ta Chen International and Good Foods Group.

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