Food Packaging Plant To Bring 600 Projected Jobs To Eastern Panhandle 

Martinsburg will be the home of the Treplar company’s new plant. The $50 million economic development investment was announced Thursday morning at the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Summit.

Gov. Jim Justice said this is a pioneering joint venture between Klarpet of Turkey and Triton International Enterprises of the USA to develop the state-of-the-art food packaging facility in Berkeley County.

“The company’s investment in our state and their innovative food packaging production facility is tremendous, and I wish them utmost success in West Virginia,” Justice said.

Treplar manufactures environment-friendly food packaging products, containing a majority of recycled materials. A press release on the announcement notes that “Treplar is currently testing a new generation of food packaging material that is 100 percent home compostable.” The company said “with its state-of-the-art facility, innovative technology, and focus on sustainability, Treplar’s next phase, set to launch later this year, promises to be a game-changer in the food packaging industry.”

Murat Ogulcan, the CEO of parent company Triton International Enterprises, said he was impressed by the state’s commitment to “going green.” 

 “We are amazed by the passion they have for the environment,” Ogulcan said. “Our journey began many years ago with a simple question. How can we reimagine packaging to be both functional and environmentally responsible?” 

The release noted that the company has already set up its state-of-the-art facility, deployed cutting-edge equipment, and hired a skilled workforce of more than 100 employees, with 600 workers expected in three years. They expect production to begin in the upcoming months.