Packaging manufacturer to consolidate in Blacksburg and then expand

Packaging machinery manufacturers ESS Technologies, Inc.,  a subsidiary of the Pacteon Group that specializes in complete packaging line design and equipment manufacturing, will invest $1.6 million to increase capacity and expand in Blacksburg, in Montgomery County, creating 27 new jobs, according to an announcement from the office of Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

In January 2023, the company expanded in Giles County,  to increase research and development, manufacturing, and office space. As part of its new 2024 expansion, ESS will consolidate current facilities in Giles and Montgomery into one larger operation in Blacksburg, increasing the square footage to 40,000 square feet at the new location to increase production capacity. 

Founded in 1993, ESS Technologies specializes in complete packaging line design, equipment manufacturing, and integration for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and consumer packaging goods industries. The company has extensive experience in designing, building, and integrating automatic cartoners, case packers, robotic palletizers, and robotic systems.

ESS Technologies has operated in the Town of Blacksburg in Montgomery County since 1993.

ESS has been engaged with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) International Trade team since 2008 and is a 2023 graduate of the Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program. VALET assists Virginia exporters that have firmly established domestic operations and are committed to international exporting as a growth strategy.

“Partners that reinvest in Virginia give a clear example that the Commonwealth is a great place to do business,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “I am proud that ESS Technologies, Inc. chose the Commonwealth as the location to base the future of their business.

Virginia offers top-level infrastructure to help companies like ESS Technologies expand their business and create jobs for local citizens.”

“Pacteon is proud of the growth trajectory of ESS Technologies,” said Mike Odom, CEO of Pacteon Group. “We are excited to partner with Governor Youngkin and Montgomery County, Virginia, to secure the space and people needed to continue that path.”

“Congratulations to ESS Technologies on this exciting expansion announcement. As a business with a long history in Virginia’s New River Valley, we are pleased they have chosen to retain and increase jobs in the region,” said Katie Boswell, Executive Director of Onward New River Valley. “We look forward to supporting their continued growth and success in the NRV.”

“We are thrilled by their increased investment in the New River Valley,” said Senator David Suetterlein. “We are thrilled even more so by the 27 quality new jobs it will generate.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Montgomery County Economic Development and Onward New River Valley to secure the project for Virginia and will support ESS Technologies’ job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), which provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs in order to support employee recruitment and training activities. As a business incentive supporting economic development, VJIP reduces the human resource costs of new and expanding companies. VJIP is state-funded, demonstrating Virginia’s commitment to enhancing job opportunities for citizens.