A $12 million plant and 90 jobs are coming to Monticello as part of an expansion by industry Norton Packing, which broke ground Tuesday.

Norton specializes in containers that hold a wide variety of products, and its 76,000 square-foot Monticello facility will manufacture plastic injection-molded rigid shipping containers, according to a press release from the Georgia Department of Economic Development. The location will serve the southeast region of the U.S., as well as Puerto Rico and Europe.

The company plans to begin hiring by July 2013. Georgia Quick Start, the state’s workforce training program, will assist the company with its employment needs.

“This location in Georgia’s heartland is an outgrowth of a business strategy to extend existing customer relationships in addition to expanding our customer base in fast-growing markets,” said Co-President Scott Norton. “We were drawn here by the state’s advantageous business climate, and we look forward to becoming an integral part of the community.”

Norton, which is owned by the same family who founded it in 1901, supplies companies in the U.S., Southeast Asia, Europe and Australia. The industry serves more than 600 domestic and foreign companies in sectors including paint, janitorial, petrochemical, adhesive, agricultural chemicals and food packaging.

Norton is headquartered in Hayward, Calif. and operates three other facilities in California and Indiana.

“As a growing state, Georgia hosts a thriving environment for manufacturers, which keeps us top-of-mind for companies deciding to relocate or expand,” said Chris Cummiskey, commissioner of the state’s economic development department. “Companies can expect to find here well-trained workers and an outstanding logistics system that gives them access to the world.”

The Development Authority of Jasper County also had a role in recruiting Norton.

“We’re very pleased that Norton Packaging has found our community the perfect fit for its needs, and we look forward to working with the company as it puts down roots and finds success in Jasper County,” said David Dyer, executive director of the Jasper County authority.

“There is no better reward for a lot of work by a lot of people than having a fine company like Norton commit to its future growth and create job opportunities right here in our community,” Monticello Mayor Bryan Standifer said.