Brand enhancement specialist API Americas has centralized its US-based operations following a $9 million expansion and extension of assets at its Lawrence, Kans., facility.

The investment has doubled the capacity of the Kansas-based site, with a 20,000 square foot expansion that was completed in June of this year. It has also enabled the purchase of large-scale machinery assets, including a custom-built coater and holographic embossing machine, which will provide customers with cutting-edge decorative foils and films.

API has transferred production as well as machinery from its Rahway, N.J., site to the newly expanded Lawrence site, where its 800-strong customer base will now be fully serviced. The new look Lawrence facility now manufactures and distributes foils across the whole API product range, including hot, cold, pigment, and holographic foil.

Investment has also facilitated the opening of a new sales and distribution center in Levittown, Pa., enabling API to better serve its East Coast customer base.

Michael Frederick, Business Unit President and General Manager API Americas, said: “As we witness a growth in our US operations, we have invested in our infrastructure and customer support to ensure that we can continue to meet customer demand.

“The recent series of investments at our Lawrence facility, which has seen us centralize our operations, increased our capacity and will maintain and improve finish lead times for our customers. It also enables us to diversify our capabilities and explore new income avenues, helping us to attract significant customer contracts in the future.”

Dino Kiriakopoulos, CEO, API Group, added: “API has a world-class offering of laminates, foils, and holographics for enhancing our customers’ brands and packaging. The development of our Lawrence site ensures maximum synergies across our product range and supply chain so that we can deliver the innovative packaging products our customers demand.

“To facilitate the expansion of Lawrence, we have since closed and sold our Rahway site for future development. We recognize the effort, dedication, and support the Rahway team has given API over the last 40 years and the significant role they have played in our growth.”

API Americas works with packaging customers across the personal care, household, and food and drink markets.