It’s unclear whether the American Red Cross’ early exit from theKellwood building will allow a new industry in Monticello to movein more quickly.

Global Packaging Systems Inc. announced in early September itsplan to open a 34-employee production plant in the Kellwoodbuilding. The company also leased the McLane building for a 16- to18-employee headquarters office.

The company delayed some interior and exterior repair andmodification of the building in order to help the county recoverfrom hurricane damage and allowed the county to lease the buildingto the Red Cross for three weeks to establish a regional DisasterRelief Center, said Bob Smira, director of the Lawrence CountyCommunity Development Association.

However, the Red Cross closed the center last week after littlemore than a week in operation to move its personnel south, deeperinto the affected areas.

Smira said the move surprised him and GPS executives, whoplanned to meet later this week to determine if the company can nowmove more quickly than anticipated.

Building modifications and repairs needed for the productionplant may receive attention earlier than anticipated now, Smirasaid.

The packaging company hopes to begin product startup operationsin January. In the meantime, the firm will be setting up equipmentand coordinating pre-employment training with Copiah-LincolnCommunity College and the U.S. Employment Service, Smira said.

GPS will specialize in manufacturing biodegradable packagingproducts, such as meat trays with absorbent pads. The products canbe “programmed” to begin degradation after a certain time period orafter they receive a shock, such as being run over in alandfill.