Italy - A Global Connection to Green Bay

By: Mary Rhode, Director of Marketing, Greater Green Bay Chamber

Pictured left to right: Luigi Lazzareschi, Sofidel Group; Kelly Armstrong; Roberto Berardi, European Tissue Symposium

With an industry concentration 14 times the national average, Greater Green Bay has seen tremendous growth in the paper industry and maintains its position as the leader across the country. Greater Green Bay is home to several Italian-based companies in varying industries. The largest concentration, however, is in the paper industry with Sofidel, Körber Tissue, Fosber, Toscotec, Maflex, Clean Paper, Pulsar, and Gambini all have locations here while their parent company is in Lucca.

“Italian Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is the second largest source of international investment in the Greater Green Bay area, said Kelly Armstrong, Vice President of Economic Development at the Greater Green Bay Chamber. “Our FDI strategy is meant to strengthen business ties, that exist in both Greater Green Bay (USA) and Lucca (Italy), two regions considered to be ‘Tissue Capitals of the World’.” Attending iT’s Tissue is important as the Greater Green Bay Chamber strives to establish stronger relationships and advocate for Greater Green Bay. Armstrong attended this year’s iT’s Tissue and took notice that automation was the leading technology focus. “The need to increase productivity is driving industry investment and increasing efficiency is the competitive advantage many are bringing to the table,” said Armstrong.

Armstrong reflects on several comments made from her recent trip made by paper company CEOs regarding Greater Green Bay’s positive reputation, “They always had great things to say about their experience and touch points with Green Bay.” In addition, Armstrong says this regarding why a tissue manufacturer choose Green Bay to either put down roots or grow their existing presence, “As we met CEO’s in the industry, they were concurrent with the idea that if you were in the tissue industry, you should have a presence in Green Bay. The industry concentration of decision makers coupled with the expertise and work ethic of the workforce was consistently what we heard.”

The Greater Green Bay Chamber is excited to continue building relationships with the Italian-based paper companies and raise awareness on why investing in Greater Green Bay is good for them and their employees. To paraphrase Massimo Franzaroli, CEO of Pulsar Engineering, “If you are in the tissue business you should be in Green Bay!”