INDIANA (From news reports) -- Huhtamaki is planning another expansion of its Hammond plant just a year after completing a $100 million expansion, Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. said.

The Finland-based company, which makes consumer and specialty food packaging, just doubled the size of its plant at 6629 Indianapolis Blvd. in Hammond's Woodmar neighborhood. It's now planning another $10 million expansion, McDermott said.

"It's a world-class company and an incredible success story," he said. "They're doing very well, and they love this city. They're going to expand again."

Huhtamaki planned to have a ribbon-cutting ceremony after completing its expansion last year, but postponed it. It will instead have a groundbreaking for the new construction, McDermott said.

The company has been in Hammond for nearly 80 years. It added 250,000 square feet to its molded fiber packaging facility after investing $100 million over the last few years, Hammond Economic Development Director Juan Moreno said.

"The expansion increased production capacity for sustainable fiber products, creating about 100 new jobs and strengthening the company's ability to serve the North American consumer goods and retail markets," he said. "The project, which more than doubled the size of the existing facility, leveraged global expertise in molded fiber technology to build on Huhtamaki's long-standing history in Hammond."

The multinational food packaging manufacturer has long been one of Hammond's largest employers. It added 100 new jobs at an average salary of around $50,500 after its latest expansion, which started in 2022.

Huhtamaki has been boosting its capacity to make packaging from recycled paper for food service and consumer goods.

The company was founded in 1920 and has grown to more than 107 locations in 37 countries worldwide, employing more than 17,910 workers and bringing in more than $4.5 billion in revenue. It makes food packaging like fruit trays, egg cartons and the paper cups that fast food restaurants use.

Huhtamaki opened its Hammond plant in 1946. It makes molded fiber drink carriers and egg filler trays. Its products are used by restaurants, cafes and supermarkets across the country.

The company last did a major expansion in Hammond in 2012, when it invested $8.5 million in new manufacturing equipment.