Maryland MEP holds 'Cheers to Gears' event at Berry Plastics in Baltimore

The Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MD MEP), a non-profit committed to growing and strengthening Maryland manufacturing, held its Make it in Maryland program’s latest ‘Cheers to Gears’ event on Wednesday, September 14, at Berry Plastics in Baltimore.

Berry Plastics is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of value-added plastic consumer packaging and engineered materials, generating $6.7 billion in revenue during fiscal 2015, with more than 120 manufacturing locations throughout the world. In addition to its Baltimore Plant, Berry Plastics operates two other Maryland manufacturing facilities in Hanover and Cumberland and has an aggregate employment of roughly 700 full-time Maryland employees. The company is based in Evansville, Ind.

The Make it in Maryland program is Maryland’s first and only program dedicated to manufacturers within the state, to showcase companies, demonstrate the value of manufacturing within Maryland and highlight manufacturing successes.

Wednesday’s ‘Cheers to Gears’ event included a networking reception and a special presentation by Berry Plastics Plant Manager, Bill Freyer and Human Resources Manager, Lisa Davis. Following the presentation, guests were given the opportunity to tour the Berry Plastics manufacturing facility. An array of Maryland manufacturers were in attendance, including Make it in Maryland program members Smiths Detection, Pompeian, TENAX, Dorfman Museum Figures, Murray Corporation, Old Line Spirits, Lenderking Caging Products and Fashions Unlimited. Also attending the event were the Baltimore Development Corporation, and the Baltimore City Planning Department.

“Our latest ‘Cheers to Gears’ event at Berry Plastics on Wednesday was a great success, with many new members of our various programs in attendance,” said Mike Kelleher, Chief Operating Officer of MD MEP. “These events provide a unique opportunity for local manufacturers to meet, network and see how companies like Berry Plastics are thriving in the State of Maryland.”

The Make it in Maryland Program’s ‘Cheers to Gears’ events are hosted monthly by Make it in Maryland Program members, with the ultimate goal of providing invested companies with an opportunity to experience new facilities, and network with and learn more about their Make It In Maryland counterparts.

If you are a Maryland manufacturing company or organization that would like to attend future ‘Cheers to Gears’ events, or to sign up for MD MEP’s free Make it in Maryland Program, please contact Tyler Burford at tburford@mdmep.org.

About Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MD MEP):

MD MEP works with partners throughout the state including the Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland (RMI) and others focused on growing manufacturing in the State of Maryland by providing resources and services to manufacturers statewide. Through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships, MD MEP helps Maryland manufacturers expand their business, educate their workforce and create mutually beneficial connections with other Maryland businesses. For more information, please visit www.mdmep.org.

About Berry Plastics Corporation:

Berry Plastics Group, Inc. is a leading provider of value-added plastic consumer packaging and engineered specialty materials delivering high-quality customized solutions to our customers. The Company’s world headquarters is located in Evansville, Indiana, with pro forma net sales of $6.7 billion in fiscal 2015 and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BERY. For additional information, visit the Company’s website at www.berryplastics.com.