A major expansion planned by an established manufacturer in Shawnee will bring as many as 300 new jobs to the community.

Georg Fischer Central Plastics broke ground Tuesday on a 150,000-square-foot manufacturing plant to complement facilities it already has in the Pottawatomie County seat. Company officials said $30 million will be invested in construction and in getting operations started at 41401 Wolverine Rd.

Located just north of the Shawnee Shopping Mall, the new plant will occupy a 40-acre site purchased from Shawnee Forward, an economic development nonprofit.

Upon completion, GF Central Plastics will relocate its gas meter fabrication department to the new location, freeing space at its established West Independence Street plant for growth in its plastics manufacturing business. The Wolverine Road site also will house offices and a warehouse along with shipping and receiving facilities, the company said in a news release.

James Jackson, head of Business Unit Americas at GF Piping Systems, welcomed guests at the groundbreaking.

“Our decision to invest in Shawnee reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone in our GF Central Plastics division,” he said. “Their strong performance has been a critical asset for our company, and we’re proud to give them added room to grow.”

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