Family-Owned Alabama Company Buys Cougar Packaging

Published Friday, October 21, 2016

Rusken Packaging, Inc. announces the purchase of Clarksville-owned Cougar Packaging. All employees will continue with the new company, and former Cougar owners Gerri and Larry Wallace will continue in their roles for six months to ensure a smooth transition.

Rusken Packaging, a private, family-owned, $130 million company, manufactures corrugated cardboard boxes used for shipping. The company is headquartered in Cullman, Ala., with additional plants in Harrisburg, Ark., Oxford, Ala., and Jackson, Tenn., and employs 450.

With a customer base from South Carolina to Texas, and Kentucky to Florida, Rusken Vice President Joey Jackson says Clarksville is a “perfect fit” for their expansion plans. “We’ve never had a facility near the Kentucky/Illinois region – it’s a strategic move for us. We’re very excited to be in Clarksville and look forward to becoming part of the community and growing the business there.”

As Rusken was looking to expand in the region, they learned that brother and sister owners of Cougar, Gerri and Larry Wallace, were reaching retirement age. “The timing was good for everyone, and things fell into place quickly,” Jackson said. “Most family-owned businesses have similar core values, which made everyone more comfortable. With that foundation, this became a mutually beneficial arrangement for everyone.”

“We appreciate the investment that Rusken is making in Clarksville-Montgomery County and their plans to grow here. We look forward to having them as new corporate citizens,” said Industrial Development Board Chairman Billy Atkins.

Cougar Packaging was founded in Clarksville in 1977 and has 22 full-time employees. The plant is located at 2722 Union Hall Road. 

About the Industrial Development Board

 The Industrial Development Board was established in 1963 to maintain and increase employment opportunities by recruiting companies to locate in Clarksville-Montgomery County.  The organization is governed by 15 board of director members, nine of which are voting members and are appointed by Montgomery County Commission; six are ex-officio.

 

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Wednesday, October 15, 2025

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Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Get ready for dirt, jumps, and jaw-dropping racing action as F&M Bank Arena prepares to transform into a professional motocross venue. The AMA Partzilla Regional Arenacross Serieswill roar into downtown Clarksville on Oct. 17-18, marking the launch of a nationwide tour that promises to bring both thrills and significant economic benefits to the community.

In what may be one of the most dramatic transformations the arena has ever seen, more than 170 dump truck loads of dirt will reshape the indoor venue into an authentic racing track complete with tight turns, challenging obstacles, and big air jumps.

The two-day format caters to both grassroots racing and professional competition. During daytime sessions, regional amateur riders will compete in front of friends and family, providing local talent with a chance to shine on a professional-grade course. As evening falls, the action intensifies with professional races that deliver edge-of-your-seat entertainment for spectators of all ages.

Top riders from across the region will battle it out on the technically demanding indoor track, pushing their limits as they navigate jumps, berms, and rhythm sections in front of a packed arena. Whether attendees are diehard motocross fans or experiencing the sport for the first time, the close-quarters indoor racing promises an immersive experience where every engine roar and roost of dirt puts them right in the middle of the action.

Economic impact of $1.3 million

Beyond the excitement on the track, the event represents a major win for Clarksville’s economy. Visit Clarksville helped bring the series opener to town, and preliminary estimates project approximately $1.3 million in visitor spending flowing into the local economy, with around 1,530 hotel room nights expected to be booked during the event weekend.

Adding to the prestige, this will be another nationally televised competition hosted by F&M Bank Arena, putting Clarksville in the spotlight for motorsports fans across the country.

The exposure from national television coverage extends the community’s profile far beyond the immediate economic impact of the event itself.

As the kickoff city for the AMA Partzilla Regional Arenacross Series, Clarksville sets the tone for multiple stops the tour will make nationwide. It’s a distinction that positions the city as a serious player in the regional motorsports landscape.

Family friendly, up-close racing

The family-friendly atmosphere ensures that parents can bring children of all ages to experience the rush of professional racing in a safe, controlled environment. The arena setting provides comfortable seating, climate control, and excellent sightlines that outdoor motocross venues simply can’t match.

For those looking to be part of this historic weekend, tickets are now available through the F&M Bank Arena website at myfmbankarena.com.

The AMA Partzilla Regional Arenacross Series represents more than just a weekend of entertainment. It’s a statement about Clarksville’s growing capacity to host major sporting events, the economic vitality that such events bring to the community, and the arena’s ability to continuously surprise and delight residents with diverse offerings.

Mark your calendars for Oct. 17-18, and prepare for two nights of heart-pounding, fist-pumping, adrenaline-fueled racing action right in the heart of downtown Clarksville. This is motorsports at its finest, and it’s coming to F&M Bank Arena.

Purchase tickets today!

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