North York packaging company gets development loan
Pack-Smart Inc., which designs and manufactures machines and complete automated systems for the packaging and printing industry in the Weston Road and Finch Avenue area, is expanding to include machines that enable customers to cut processing times. The new equipment will use new eco-friendly plastics and adhesives, and save raw materials while improving package appearance.
The company moved to North York in December after about a decade in Woodbridge, and is planning to expand the workforce of 25 to 100 employees over the next five years as part of a $7.9-million expansion project, paid for by Pack-Smart.
"In under a decade Pack-Smart has come a very long way," Sandra Pupatello, minister of economic development and trade, said during the provincial loan announcement at Pack-Smart Monday, April 21.
The loan is part of Ontario's Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy.
Derek Dlugosh-Ostap, founder and president of Pack-Smart, said his company strives to look beyond conventional thinking and technology.
"Other nations look up to Canada and expect Canada to be the example and lead the way," he said. "Our aspiration is to create the next generation of jobs."
Dlugosh-Ostap, who invented a machine that can pack irregular shaped mailings like shampoo bottles, said he's toying with the idea of opening another facility.
"Just five years ago we had five employees and now we have 25," he said.
