$2 billion packaging company relocating HQ to Tampa, bringing 200 jobs

A $2 billion transit packaging company is relocating its corporate headquarters from the Chicago area to Tampa in a move that economic leaders said should bring 200 jobs to the area.

Signode Industrial Group, which manufactures packaging tools and equipment for industrial shipping and storage, will relocate its top-level executives and other staff to Hidden River Corporate Park, just off Interstate 75 near Morris Bridge Road.

“Tampa offers an attractive cost of living, great climate and abundant cultural and recreational options, making it an outstanding location for our people,” Signode president Robert Bourque said in a statement.

In statements announcing the move, Gov. Ron DeSantis called it “an exciting day for Florida’s economic growth,” while Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said Signode’s arrival carried “great prestige.”

“This is another huge win for Hillsborough County, and we’re excited to have Signode join our thriving business community,” said Hillsborough County Commission chairperson Pat Kemp. “We’re grateful Signode has chosen to invest in our community, and we’re committed to supporting them as they set up operations here.”

Founded in 1913, Signode today claims revenues of $2 billion, and as recently as 2018 was ranked by Forbes as one of the world’s largest privately held companies. It has more than 7,000 employees working at more than 80 manufacturing plants on six continents. The company was acquired by Crown Holdings Inc. in 2018 for $3.9 billion.

Crown Holdings had sales of more than $11.5 billion in 2020, along with net income of $579 million.