Cutting-Edge Technology Drives Growth for Specialty Film Manufacturer

Charter Next Generation (“CNG”) has committed to growing in Richland County. The company, a leader in specialty films and material science solutions, will expand operations at its Lexington campus, and add additional capacity in Ontario. CNG plans to add 125 new positions while retaining 1,236 jobs across both locations.  The company will invest more than $106 million in facilities and advanced machinery and equipment. The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) approved the project for tax credit assistance during its Ohio Tax Credit Authority meeting today.

With this growth opportunity, CNG will construct a 157,000-square-foot expansion on the Lexington campus to accommodate 12 new film packaging lines. Additionally, the company will introduce four new extrusion lines in Ontario to meet growing demand in the consumer goods space.

“We are honored to partner with Team NEO, JobsOhio, and other local partners in the Richland County area,” said Kathy Bolhous, Chairman and CEO of Charter Next Generation. “The state and local support pledged to the project will enable us to fulfill our purpose of Enhancing Lives for a Better Future by creating meaningful opportunities that benefit our employee owners, our neighbors, and the broader community. Through continued investment in innovative specialty films and material science solutions, we are proud to strengthen the local workforce, drive economic growth, and build a more resilient future. This partnership accelerates progress in sustainable solutions and infrastructure, paving the way for long-term impact.”

CNG collaborated closely with a team consisting of Team NEO, JobsOhio, ODOD, and Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development to ensure the expansion remained in Ohio versus other parts of the country where the company has operations.

“CNG’s new Richland County facility will bring advanced, sustainable film manufacturing technology to meet growing customer demand from the food industry nationwide,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “This latest investment in Northeast Ohio demonstrates CNG’s confidence in the region’s strategic location and talented workforce as it adds 125 new jobs between its Lexington and Ontario facilities.”

“CNG’s continued growth in Northeast Ohio is a reflection of the strength of our region’s thriving food processing industry and robust food supply chain assets,” added Team NEO Chief Executive Officer Matt Dolan. “We remain committed to collaborating closely with CNG to drive continued success.”

With this latest expansion, CNG continues to play a significant role in Richland County’s economy.

“We are thrilled that CNG has chosen to expand in Richland County for this incredible project!” noted Ellen Heinz, M.Ed., OhioCED. President & CEO, Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development. “We are so thankful for their commitment to our area and their enormous investment in our community. CNG is an industry powerhouse, and we are fortunate to support such an amazing company.”

About Charter Next Generation

Charter Next Generation (CNG) is a leading provider of specialty films and material science solutions in North America, serving essential markets including food, consumer goods, industrial, and healthcare. Since 1971, we have showcased exceptional manufacturing capabilities across 17 U.S. facilities. Driven by our 2,500+ employee owners, CNG helps address a broad range of global challenges, such as food preservation, waste reduction, energy efficiency, wage equity, and climate change, by leveraging cutting-edge innovation and advanced materials. Committed to addressing sustainability, circularity, and a low-carbon future, we aim to enhance lives and lead with purpose. As a proud partner of Ownership Works™, we empower employees by giving them a stake in the value they create. Visit cnginc.com, follow us on LinkedIn, or contact media@cnginc.com.

About Team NEO

Team NEO is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that ignites economic vibrancy, fosters sustainable growth, and champions equitable prosperity. As a designated JobsOhio Network Partner, we collaborate across all 14 counties in the Northeast Ohio Region to create strategies to attract and retain companies, drive innovation, cultivate a skilled workforce, advance market-ready sites, and promote and engage the region. To learn how Team NEO helps make Northeast Ohio more competitive, visit northeastohioregion.com.

About JobsOhio

JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership, and Team NEO. JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage.