Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with Sonoco Flexible Packaging officials announced today the company will expand its Morristown, Tenn. facility. The announcement represents an investment of $9.7 million and will create 26 new jobs in Hamblen County.
“In today’s globally competitive environment, Tennessee continues to be a solid choice for incumbent industries to grow and expand,” Hagerty said. “With operations in more than 30 countries around the world, Sonoco’s decision to further invest in Morristown is a testament to the state’s ideal location and exceptional transportation infrastructure, and I look forward to much continued success from the company.”
“This expansion includes the addition of next-wave technology that will allow us to better meet the changing needs of our consumer goods clients, which is important to the continued success of this location that started over 20 years ago,” Sonoco Vice President of Flexible Packaging Bob Puechl said. “If you have been in a supermarket or any other retail outlet lately, you have seen the great increase, not only in the variety of products, but in the variety of packaging in terms of sizes, colors, shapes and types. Our new equipment, which is targeted to begin producing commercial products Sept. 1, is essential because it gives us the capability to offer the kind of flexibility, speed and quality that our customers demand.”
Puechl added, “I think it is important to note that our success is not just about the equipment. Our people are invaluable, and our Morristown employees are a key ingredient to our continued success, as is our partnership with the city of Morristown, Hamblen County and the state of Tennessee.”
“Sonoco’s Morristown plant is very excited about this latest opportunity, and we fully appreciate the confidence that our company and community has in our ability to execute,” Sonoco Morristown Plant Manager Steve Beck said. “We work very hard to earn the right to new investments and new business opportunities, and it’s very rewarding to see this growth and long-term commitment to the Morristown facility.”
Sonoco is a global provider of consumer packaging, industrial products and protective packaging for a variety of industries and many of the world’s most recognized brands. Headquartered in Hartsville, S.C., the company has 349 operations in 35 countries and has had a presence in Morristown since 1992.
Located at 5701 Superior Drive, the Morristown expansion will include facility improvements and the addition of a new rotogravure press in its flexible packaging division.
“The city of Morristown is pleased to hear that Sonoco is expanding its facility and adding additional jobs,” Morristown Mayor Danny Thomas said. “The additional investment of over $9 million into its facility is a strong commitment into the future of its company and our community. We are appreciative of the commitment and involvement in our community.”
“Sonoco’s expansion is great news,” Hamblen County Mayor Bill Brittain said. “We work hard to make Morristown and Hamblen County a great place to do business, and this announcement is an indication that we are succeeding. We greatly appreciate the additional commitment that Sonoco is making to our community.”
“Sonoco’s expansion is wonderful for our community as it allows a company to diversify its product mix and remain competitive in the world marketplace,” Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce President Marshall Ramsey said. “Sonoco is a strong corporate citizen in Hamblen County, and the Chamber of Commerce applauds their expansion and investment in our community.”
About Sonoco
Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a global provider of a variety of consumer packaging, industrial products, protective packaging and packaging supply chain services. With annualized net sales of approximately $4.8 billion, the company has more than 19,900 employees working in 349 operations in 35 countries, serving some of the world’s best known brands in some 85 nations. Sonoco is a proud member of the 2012/2013 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. For more information on Sonoco, visit our website at www.sonoco.com.
