The Georgia, US-based packaging company, Inmark, has selected Raamsdonksveer as a base for its European operations. This is the company’s first branch on the continent, and it is set to launch in early 2015. The company, which develops and supplies packaging solutions for the transport of pharmaceuticals, biologics and clinical specimens, will start off with
ten locally-recruited employees.
Inmark was founded in 1975 and has evolved into a company focusing on high-quality specialized packaging for a wide variety of industries. The company’s packaging solutions have been used for safe and first-class packaging for food and beverages, cosmetics, drugs, and chemicals.
First European branch
The company presently operates out of six different locations in the US, as well as one in Singapore and one in the UK. For the purpose of gaining a foothold in Europe, the company has recently been scouting out suitable areas. The Netherlands was soon a focal point, thanks to the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) in Atlanta, which is affiliated to the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. The extensive search for a location led to West Brabant, and specifically to Raamsdonksveer.
Both the Brabant Development Agency (BOM) and the regional development authority REWIN supported Inmark and helped with issues such as finding a site, making contact with the municipal authorities, HR matters, and introductions to a wide range of parties. Jones Lang Lasalle has advised Inmark Packaging on the real estate side of the project
“The perfect site”
Inmark will use its new branch to concentrate its European marketing and sales, logistics and production activities. CEO David Oyler labeled West Brabant as the perfect site for further expansion on the continent. “Its central location, close to numerous highways and relatively close to the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam, was a major reason for settling on Raamsdonksveer. The availability of sufficient and well-trained staff was another decisive factor for us. And of course there was also the fact that we were keen on the Netherlands because the Dutch and Americans seem to click with each
other – they have a similar approach to business.” Oyler was also pleased with the support that Inmark received when it arrived in Brabant. “Thanks to the professional support we received from the NFIA, REWIN, and BOM, we experienced no teething problems whatsoever.”
“Pleased to have an international player in the area”
Geertruidenberg municipal mayor, Willemijn van Hees, was likewise very happy that Inmark Packaging had selected Raamsdonksveer. “We are naturally pleased to have an international player in the area, and it is a helpful boost for employment,” she said. “Inmark Packaging will not only find an outstanding infrastructure network in Raamsdonksveer, it will also see that we have created an excellent knowledge network, thanks to companies already present here. It is important to us that we continue to expand and develop this network, and the knowledge and experience that an international company like Inmark can contribute is very welcome.”