A new plastics factory is coming to New Jersey. The bad news is, the company could find itself having problems selling some of its products in the state. Environmental concerns aside, Phil Murphy has announced a new plastic factory is coming to Edison.
UAE-based packaging company Hotpack is investing $100 million in a new manufacturing and distribution facility in Edison, New Jersey, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy and reinforcing growing economic ties between the UAE and the United States.
The facility, expected to begin operations in June, will span 70,000 square feet and generate 200 jobs over the next five years, the company said Friday. The announcement was made during a signing ceremony in Dubai, attended by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and senior Hotpack executives.
“This investment reflects our dedication to better serving our clients in the US market and contributes to the local economy through job creation and advanced manufacturing capabilities,” said Abdul Jebbar PB, Group CEO and Managing Director of Hotpack.
The site will specialize in the production and customization of sustainable packaging products, including plastic and paper cups, containers, and clamshells. According to the company, the expansion is aimed at improving efficiency and flexibility in meeting the demands of its growing U.S. customer base.
Hotpack’s New Jersey project aligns with its broader 2030 Vision for global growth and represents one of several recent international investments. In addition to the U.S. facility, Hotpack has launched a biodegradable packaging plant in Malaysia, expanded manufacturing in Saudi Arabia, and completed a paper products facility in India.
UAE investment in U.S. industries accelerates
Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey, the state’s nonprofit business attraction agency, welcomed the investment. “We look forward to supporting Hotpack’s growth as it brings high-quality jobs and sustainable innovation to our region,” he said.
The Hotpack announcement comes as UAE investment in the U.S. continues to rise. In March, the UAE committed to a $1.4 trillion, 10-year investment framework in the United States, covering sectors such as AI, semiconductors, manufacturing, and energy. The White House described the initiative as a move to “substantially increase” the UAE’s economic footprint in the country.
Other recent developments include a $25 billion U.S. initiative from Abu Dhabi’s ADQ and Energy Capital Partners, targeting energy infrastructure and data centers, and a planned aluminum smelter by Emirates Global Aluminum — the first in the U.S. in 35 years. Additionally, Damac announced a $20 billion data center investment in the wake of Donald Trump’s re-election.
Governor Murphy, who led a New Jersey economic delegation to the Gulf, described Hotpack’s expansion as a signal of the state’s strong business environment. “Hotpack’s decision to expand its presence in New Jersey is a powerful endorsement of our state’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and robust infrastructure,” he said.
Hotpack’s $100 million U.S. expansion underscores deepening UAE investment in American manufacturing and jobs.