Toppan Printing Co. Ltd., Tokyo, is investing approximately 10 billion yen (approximately $86 million) in a new transparent barrier film production plant in Griffin, GA, it’s first such plant in North America.

Located on a 145,667-meter-site, the facility will comprise 10,555 square meters and will begin production in March 2016. The company says it expects to see sales of approximately $971 million in business related to transparent film barrier in fiscal 2018.

“GL film is used for 15,000 products across 45 countries, but this will be our first GL plant overseas,” says Sumio Ezaki, director and head of Toppan’s International Division, Singapore Branch, and Barrier Film Center. “We ship to the U.S., but the Georgia facility strengthens supply capability and will better serve North American clients. We will launch barrier business in diverse fields, not just packaging. In addition to GL, we will develop various films to meet diverse needs.”