ORANGEBURG - Wipes manufacturer Nice-Pak has announced plans to double manufacturing capacity at its facility in Arkansas with an upgrade to its existing production and the addition of a new line next year

The $50 million investment is expected to create a further 300 jobs at the plant in Jonesboro.

The coronavirus pandemic has fuelled demand for the company's disinfecting wipes, leading the Jonesboro plant to operate around the clock. Announcing the investment, Nice-Pak chairman and chief executive officer Robert Julius said that the company's products were essential for consumers to help stay healthy and well amid the Covid-19 pandemic. "We have been working nonstop to produce more wipes than ever before, and we commend the tremendous performance of our Jonesboro associates, who have been terrific in rising to the challenge," he said.

The expansion is expected to more than double the company's ability to produce disinfecting wipes and significantly increase capacity for other product groups. In addition to Wet Wipes, the company produces wipes for babies and toddlers, facial wipes and flushable wipes.

Earlier this year Nice-Pak produced data showing that its line of disinfectant products has demonstrated efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.

The Nice-Pak's wipes are sold under the Grime Boss brand, as well as many popular private labels.

The testing was conducted by Microbac, a testing laboratory that offers antimicrobial/antiviral testing for disinfectants, antiseptics, sanitizers and medical devices, and was completed in line with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) test methods and guidelines.