Econo-Pak plans major expansion

By Frances Ruth Harris
MILFORD — Econo-Pak is buying the Kolmar plant next door, which will expand its operations in Milford to nearly 200,000 square feet.
“Econo-Pak will expand and consolidate its operations solely in Milford within the next two to three years," said CEO P.J. Wiebel. "Milford is a great place to be.”
The Kolmar deal is expected to go through in February.
Many of Econo-Pak's New Jersey workers will be moving to Pike County. For now, some employees are still shuttled in from New Jersey.
Employees who lived in Pike before its move to Milford said they're thrilled to be home in time for their children’s sports activities.
Econo-Pak is a kind of "middle man" that packages food for producers worldwide. It makes sure the producers meet industry standards, including those for Kosher, gluten-free, and organic foods.
Federal regulations on quality, sanitation, and maintenance govern every move at Econo-Pak, where robots and humans work together. The company's 500-plus employees, including those in upper management, work in three shifts around the clock.
'Like family'The Courier toured the plant with the understanding that its methods and the many brand names packaged there could not be revealed. But the workers were happy to share their experiences.
“I love it here absolutely," said Drita Fitzgerald, quality control manager. "People who don’t like it here are too lazy to work. The people who run the company are very fair. It’s a good place to be.”
Rebecca Moore, a three-year employee, said she gets to do something different every day.
"I do different products all day long in different parts of the plant," she said.
After 20 years at the plant, Noemi Ventura said she still loves "my place."
"I love my people and the bosses too," she said.
Johnny Montana chimed in: “We’re glad we work here.”
Miles Hardick, part of the design team for 40 years, said he had a “nice family to work for. The best. I wouldn’t be here otherwise.”
Husbands and wives are able to work different shifts so there's always someone at home with their young children. One mother works in quality control alongside her son, who attends an area college.
Several supervisors began as line workers who exhibited leadership talents. Twenty-four people in the shipping department live within 15 minutes of the factory.
"We’re like family here," said Shelly Rhinesmith, a customer service representative.
'A giving company'Wiebel said the family business prospers through "excellent packaging execution while not only meeting but surpassing exacting standards. We are proud of our new machinery, our super-sanitary environment and our quality relationships in the community.”
Wiebel says he runs a “giving company.” Econo-Pak supports the local Boy Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, and DARE, the anti-drug program. Every worker — full and part time — gets one of 1,000 locally procured turkeys for the holidays.
Wiebel stressed that they do business with local merchants, including during Christmas, when each employee, whatever the shift, enjoys a full catered dinner in the plant’s caféteria.
Econo-Pak also runs a no-interest loan program for employees.
Weibel's father, Paul Wiebel, is chair of Econo-Pak, and his brother, Bobby Wiebel, directs operations. The company provides three weeks of vacation, 11 holidays, Christmas bonuses, computers, and iPhones for supervisors and upper-level management. Handicapped employees earn the same rate as regular employees, sometimes more. Senior citizens looking for work are welcome to apply.
“They have been good neighbors and have hired many local area residents," said Mike Sullivan, executive director of the Pike County Economic Development Authority.
From 2007 to 2009, Milford lost nine construction companies, Sullivan said, with Tom Hogan of Hogan Homes the only one left serving the area.
"Econo-Pac continues to prosper, and their success is Pike County’s success," he said.