PLATTSBURGH — The Plattsburgh opening of Hanet Plastics, a Canadian-based manufacturer of plastic food-protection products, is one reason area leaders continue to smile despite the struggling economy.

"It is very positive that we continue to add jobs in our community and region versus other areas that are struggling, and we can attribute that to a lot of hard work by a lot of people," Plattsburgh Mayor Donald Kasprzak said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday.

Hanet Plastics is located in Imperial Industrial Park, the site of the former Imperial Mill in the city's South End.

The firm makes plastic containers for brand-name cookies and other food products that are sold in retail stores.

With a plant in St. Jean Sur Richelieu, Quebec, the company was looking for a U.S.-based operation.

A visit to Plattsburgh to meet with officials from a slew of entities sealed the deal.

The Plattsburgh/North Country Chamber of Commerce, OneWorkSource, the City of Plattsburgh and Crossborder Development Corp. all played key roles in landing Hanet Plastics, said Chamber President Garry Douglas.

"It takes that kind of teamwork to get results," he said.

Assemblywoman Janet Duprey (R-Peru) said the North Country workforce is also a key attraction for companies looking to relocate.

"We have a tremendous workforce, people who want to work, who show up and do the job right."

Michael S. Biskup, the strategic planner for Hanet, said the help the company received was instrumental in choosing Plattsburgh.

"Those things are vital when you are a stranger in town."

The company employs 13 workers now, with plans to increase to as many as 25 in the near future.

"Hanet is a place for opportunities for careers," Biskup said. "We like our employees to feel like they are part of our family."

The addition of Hanet to Imperial Industrial Park increases the list of tenants to 25, employing about 100 people.

David Bray, the property manager for the park, said prospects continue to consider Plattsburgh.

"There still is a lot of interest, and our phone keeps ringing."

E-mail Joe LoTemplio at: jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com