The morning of Thursday, Dec. 18, was not a typical work day for the staff at Highland Packaging Solutions. The company, which specializes in the design and manufacturing of produce packaging like the popular clamshell, was visited by Gov. Rick Scott, who traveled to the facility to congratulate the company on its growth and contributions to the state of Florida.
“He heard our story and wanted to come by,” CEO Steve Maxwell said.
Last year, Highland sold more blueberry packaging than any of its competitors. Employees greeted Scott in company T-shirts that identified them as “Blueberry Season National Champions.”
“We realize you’re a state champion,” Maxwell said to Scott. “But in the packaging world, you’re talking to the national champions. So, champion to champion, welcome.”
Scott said that Highland has added 150 employees since he was elected, bringing its total to 300. Scott’s 2010 campaign was focused on the goal of “getting Florida back to work,” and he still declares employment as a priority.
“My job is to send the message to the world that we will be the number-one place for job creation. If we do that, then companies like Highland will be very successful,” Scott said.
Highland has expanded not only in the United States, but also internationally. The company now conducts business in nations such as South Africa, New Zealand, Mexico and Ukraine.
“Eventually, you’ll be the worldwide leader in your industry,” Scott said.
Maxwell thanked Scott for his leadership, encouragement and focus on Florida’s economic development.
“Even though in Washington, sometimes, I watch the television and wonder what planet some of those guys are on, with our governor, I don’t have to worry about that as a business leader because (Scott) gets it,” Maxwell said.
Maxwell said that like himself, Scott had risen to leadership and success from humble beginnings.
“It’s fun to watch people start something and build it,” Scott said. “That’s part of America. Our country is built because people took risks.”
Highland Packaging Solutions is the brainchild of Maxwell, who watched his farmer grandfather toil in the Georgia fields when he was young. Starting the company with his lifelong friend, John Durham, the two have led the industry in North America. Highland Packaging Solutions specializes in “just-in-time” deliveries, with the ability to label over three million clamshells per day using 16 high-speed label applicators. It can also track shipments of clamshells and other packing materials from manufacturing to the docks.
Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.