Senator Michael Testa toured a new 159,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Vineland this week as part of the First Legislative District Team’s business Recovery Tour. 

The state-of-the-art plant was built for Comar, a premier supplier of specialty packaging solutions and custom molded medical devices and assemblies, and only recently went into production.

“Not long ago, in October, I was on site for the groundbreaking ceremony. It is clear this is a company that can get things done right and on time,” said Testa. “This is an impressive facility that demonstrates why Comar is a leader in New Jersey’s manufacturing sector.”

Testa, the newly appointed co-chair of the Legislative Manufacturing Caucus of New Jersey, was hosted by Mike Ruggieri, Comar’s CEO. They were joined on the tour by Christina Renna, the president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, and Rob Monaco from the New Jersey Manufacturing Program.

“Senator Testa is wasting no time learning the ins and outs of the state’s manufacturing landscape, which plays such a prominent role in the South Jersey economy,” Renna said. “Hearing directly from companies leaders like Comar will undoubtedly lead to a greater understanding of the business landscape and issues that impact operations, both positively and negatively, for New Jersey-based companies.”

Comar is headquartered in Voorhees, and the Vineland location contains injection molding machines, proprietary automation, and packaging equipment to service the companies growing customer base in the medical, pharmaceutical, and consumer wellness markets.

“New Jersey is fortunate to count Comar among our home-grown manufacturing companies,” said Testa. “Their significant commitment to South Jersey created local jobs and opportunity for small businesses and service providers. Comar is a gleaming example of the value and benefits dynamic manufacturers can deliver for our state.”

The company got its start as a glass manufacturer operating out of a garage in rural New Jersey in 1949. Their first product was a snakebite kit.

They began converting glass tubing for the healthcare industry and manufacturing custom vials and pipettes, later evolving into plastics.

Today Comar is a major player globally, with eight manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to visit South Jersey manufacturing businesses,” said Testa. “It gives me an opportunity to learn about the opportunities and challenges these companies face, and gain feedback on how the Legislature can help improve our state’s business climate.”