The Paris Economic Development Corporation recognized Huhtamaki as its 2026 Industry of the Year during the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce’s 122nd Annual Celebration on October 20 at the Love Civic Center.
The award honors Huhtamaki’s continued investment in Paris and Lamar County, including a major expansion that strengthens the company’s local manufacturing operations and creates opportunities for future growth. Plant Manager Adam Routon accepted the award on behalf of Huhtamaki, with PEDC Executive Director Maureen Hammond presenting the recognition.
“Huhtamaki’s investment represents far more than an expansion of its facilities. It is a significant commitment to the economic future of Paris,” said PEDC Board Chair Josh Bray. “Investments of this magnitude strengthen our industrial base, create opportunities for our workforce, and reinforce the importance of supporting companies that choose to grow here. Huhtamaki’s continued confidence in Paris speaks volumes about our community, and we are proud to recognize this milestone.”
A member of the Paris manufacturing community for more than five decades, Huhtamaki announced an estimated $85 million investment in 2023 following years of work by its local leadership team to retain and expand operations. The project was designed to preserve 190 existing jobs and create up to 80 additional positions.
Company leaders joined employees, community representatives and project partners on June 3, 2026, to celebrate the ribbon-cutting for the 400,000-square-foot expansion. The expanded facility increases production capacity and positions Huhtamaki’s Paris operations for continued growth. The project is projected to generate $1.45 billion in total economic impact over 10 years.
“Huhtamaki’s decision to reinvest in Paris reflects the strength of its local workforce and the determination of its leadership team,” said Hammond. “Adam and his team worked for years to secure the future of this facility. When the expansion was announced, Huhtamaki committed to retaining 190 jobs and creating 80 new positions. Less than six months after opening its new facility, the company has already surpassed those commitments, employing 275 full-time employees. That is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the company’s continued investment in Paris and its people.”
The collaboration behind the project also brought statewide recognition to Paris. In 2024, the Texas Economic Development Council presented PEDC with its Community Economic Development Award in the population category of 20,001 to 50,000 for its work on the Huhtamaki retention and expansion project. One of the highest recognitions an economic development corporation can receive in Texas, the award acknowledged the partnership that helped secure Huhtamaki’s investment in Paris.
“It is truly an honor to receive recognition as part of the team that helped bring this expansion to reality,” said Plant Manager Adam Routon. “I am thankful for the local Huhtamaki team and all of their hard work. Additionally, I am thankful for the broad community support from Paris and Lamar County officials that was coordinated under the leadership of the PEDC. This is truly a community win.”
PEDC’s annual Industry of the Year Award recognizes an employer whose investment, support for local employment and contributions to economic growth strengthen Paris and Lamar County.
For more information about the Paris Economic Development Corporation, visit selectparistexas.com.
