05/08/08

Plastic bag manufacturer Hilex Poly has announced it will be moving forward with a $3-million expansion plan for it's facility in Jerome.

The move will mean an additional 30 employees, additional equipment, and a 35-percent increase in production capacity.

At the same time, Hilex is announcing its company nationwide is filing for a voluntary chapter 11 bankruptcy and reorganization.

Company officials stressed the filing will not impact day-to-day operations for the Jerome facility - or for employees - customers - and suppliers for any aspect of the nationwide business.

Hilex officials say the move was necessary to restructure its secured debt in a manner that wouldn't have a negative impact on the company.

Hilex is the world's manufacturer of plastic bags.