Southeastern Container investing $31 million in Enka-Candler facility, creating 12 skilled jobs

Southeastern Container announced a $31 million modernization and expansion of its Enka‑Candler headquarters and manufacturing operations, pledging to add closure production capacity and create 12 new skilled, high‑tech production jobs that will pay an average of $32.90 per hour. The company said the hires will come "in the next 18 months" while the project will sustain more than 150 existing jobs at the Buncombe County site.

The announcement was released Feb. 19, 2026 by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville‑Buncombe County. Gov. Josh Stein’s office separately announced a $100,000 state grant to support renovation of a 325,000‑square‑foot building on the Enka‑Candler campus, with total renovation costs reported as "over $8 million" by the governor’s release.

Southeastern Container said the $31 million will fund facility modernization, new technology and equipment, and the addition of closure manufacturing at the Enka facility. Michael Ramos, President and CEO of Southeastern Container, said, "Southeastern Container is excited to bring closure manufacturing to our Enka, NC facility as we expand our industrial capabilities."

Founded in 1982 as an injection molding and blow molding plant serving Coca‑Cola bottlers, Southeastern Container supplies PET bottles and closures to beverage customers across North America. The company and local reporting state SEC provides bottles to more than 50 Coca‑Cola operations across 34 U.S. states and six Canadian provinces, a footprint local leaders described as a long‑standing economic anchor for Asheville‑area manufacturing.

Job details in the chamber release describe the 12 positions as "skilled, high‑tech production" roles tied directly to the new closure line. The chamber and EDC materials place the average wage at $32.90 per hour and emphasize that the expansion is "driven by growing national demand." Local officials hailed the investment: Buncombe County Commission Chair Amanda Edwards said, "Buncombe County is proud to celebrate Southeastern Container’s expansion. As a locally headquartered company, their investment demonstrates confidence in our community and strengthens our regional resilience." EDC Board Chair Carol Steen added, "The EDC Board of Directors is incredibly proud to support the expansion of Southeastern Container and celebrate their 45‑year history as a leading employer and economic driver in Buncombe County."

The company and the EDC release highlighted multiple sustainability claims tied to the modernization. Those figures include a 31 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions since roughly 2020, recycled PET accounting for more than 23 percent of materials used in manufacturing, lightweighting projects that saved 19 million pounds of plastic in 2025, and ongoing efforts toward "zero solid waste to landfill." A separate line in the EDC materials reported that "The company uses 100% recycled packaging," a categorical statement that differs from the 23 percent recycled PET figure included elsewhere in the release.

Work on the renovation and equipment upgrades is expected to proceed alongside the hiring timeline the organizations provided, with the company and partners saying recruitment and production ramp-up will occur over the next 18 months. The announced $100,000 grant and the "over $8 million" renovation estimate are the only public financial incentives disclosed in conjunction with the Feb. 19 release.