PACKEX USA Chooses Marianna: New Era for Jackson County
By Shelia Mader
In a groundbreaking announcement that promises to reshape the industrial landscape of Jackson County, PACKEX USA has officially confirmed its plans to open a state-of-the-art beverage manufacturing facility in Marianna. The company, which specializes in aluminum can and bottle filling, is investing more than $30 million into the project and expects to create at least 75 jobs, with the potential for more as operations scale.
The new facility, scheduled to open January 1, 2026, will occupy nearly 400,000 square feet in a repurposed water bottling plant, a move company leaders say will allow them to fast-track production and minimize the environmental footprint of development.
Michael Clark, PACKEX President and Chief Strategy Officer, explained that Marianna’s location was a key factor in the decision.
“This is just under 400,000 square feet of facility. This location was strategic in our decision to locate here in that it is actually located to like about two-thirds of the U.S. market,” Clark said. “It’s very logistic, a good location for that.”
Clark, who was instrumental in the original development and commercialization of the aluminum bottle, emphasized that the new plant will cater to a growing East Coast market that has been largely underserved.
“There is no East Coast filling operation dedicated to aluminum packaging like this. We saw that as an opportunity. Cruise lines, for example, are looking for more aluminum due to its recyclability, and we’re positioned smack dab in the middle of the Gulf ports to serve them.”
Antonio “Tony” Snider, PACKEX’s co-founder and engineering lead, has deep roots in the region. “I’m from here,” Snider said. “One of the main points being from here is you don’t have an abundance of middle-class, decent-paying jobs that offer insurance, 401(k), and everything a person needs to live here.”
Snider added that the decision to bring PACKEX to Jackson County was both personal and strategic. “It came down to either I move or we build this facility here. Jackson County has been hand-in-hand in this from the word go,” he said. “From Clay Wells at Public Works to Fire Chief Michael Hall and City Manager William Long, they’ve all been amazing partners.”
Marianna Fire Chief Michael Hall called the collaboration “a model for future development.”
“PACKEX has shown a clear commitment to safety and to our community,” said Hall. “They’ve worked with us from the beginning to make sure this facility will be a safe, clean operation.”
Clay Wells, Director of Marianna Public Works, praised the company’s attention to infrastructure and long-term community integration. “They’ve been proactive, thoughtful, and community-oriented from day one,” Wells said. “We’re proud to support them.”
Darwin Gilmore, President of the Jackson County Economic Development Committee, said the announcement represents the type of targeted growth the county has been seeking.
“We’re excited about the sustainability, the marketplace, the footprint. We’re seeking manufacturing, logistics, distribution, tech, particularly clean tech. And this meets all those criteria,” Gilmore said. “From this location, on the East Coast for the first time in scale, we’re going to be providing the solution. That’s very exciting.”
Gilmore also confirmed that PACKEX qualifies for top-tier state and local economic incentives due to the size and scope of their investment and the quality of the jobs they’ll bring.
PACKEX’s mission is not just industrial but environmental. Clark and Snider both emphasized their commitment to sustainability through aluminum packaging.
“76% of all aluminum ever harvested is still in use today,” Clark said. “This material is infinitely recyclable. It’s about creating complete circularity, less waste, less energy, more reuse.”
Snider added that the newer generation of beverages, natural juices, blends, and health-focused drinks, benefit from aluminum packaging’s superior barrier to UV and oxygen, helping preserve freshness without preservatives.
PACKEX plans to collaborate with Chipola College and Haney Technical College to develop a pipeline of skilled workers in both high-tech and trade positions.
“We’re already boosters for local high school sports,” said Snider. “But we also want to offer field trips, internships, and hands-on experiences. Not everyone’s going to get a four-year degree, and they don’t have to. Skilled trades are what this country needs.”
Clark added, “I love homegrown, organic initiatives. We want to give young people here a reason to stay, to build their lives in Jackson County. This isn’t just a factory, it’s a community anchor.”
Though PACKEX USA has only just begun outfitting the facility, interest is already surging.
“We’ve got customers already lined up,” said Clark. “This will be a one-stop shop for brands that want both aluminum cans and bottles. That hasn’t been done on the East Coast at this scale before.”
Both founders see the potential for exponential job growth not only at PACKEX but in related industries.
“Think about it: You put out one million bottles a day, that’s one million caps, cases, labels, the whole supply chain comes with it,” said Snider.
Jackson County’s two largest buildings are now occupied by companies pushing toward sustainability, clean tech, and high-value manufacturing. With PACKEX leading the charge in the beverage sector, the future of local industry looks bright and green.
“This is the kind of growth we want to replicate,” said Gilmore. “We’re open for business here in Jackson County.”
PACKEX USA at a Glance:
Opening: January 1, 2026
Location: Repurposed 400,000 sq ft facility in Marianna
Investment: $30+ million
Jobs: Starting with 75, with potential for more
Focus: Aluminum bottle and can beverage filling
Environmental Focus: 100% aluminum, infinitely recyclable packaging
Partners: City of Marianna, Jackson County, Chipola College, Haney Tech
Future Outreach: Field trips, internships, workforce development
With PACKEX, Jackson County isn’t just making bottles, it’s bottling up opportunity.