January 20, 2010
Expansion work to increase capacity is underway at Sonoco's Southern Plug and Manufacturing plant located at 6566 Mer Rouge Road in Bastrop, La. The $2 million project, which will include the installation of a large rotary dryer and four production machines, will result in approximately 15 new jobs at the facility.
"This new equipment will essentially double our current production capabilities," said General Manager Bob Green, who expects the project to be completed around March or April of the coming year. "It also shows that our commitment to this plant and to this community remains strong."
The plant, which began operating in 1978 and was acquired by Sonoco in 1991, primarily makes molded and solid wood plugs used in tubes, cores and reels. The facility currently employs 34 people.
"Sonoco's expansion is terrific news for the local economy and builds on the other economic development wins we announced over the past year in the region," said Gov. Bobby Jindal. "We've been working closely with local officials to develop a plan to foster economic growth in Bastrop and create opportunity for people following the announced closure of the IP-Bastrop mill last year. Indeed, we will continue to work aggressively to create more opportunity for our people in Northeast Louisiana and across our entire state so that they can pursue their dreams right here at home."
Kay King, President of Morehouse Economic Development stated, "This is a great win for Morehouse Parish as we move forward with the City and Parish leaders on our redevelopment plan and work to rebuild the Morehouse economy." King added "This announcement comes after many months of work alongside Louisiana Economic Development and our regional partner, North Louisiana Economic Partnership."
According to Billy Cox, Co-Chair of North Louisiana Economic Partnership, "We are pleased Sonoco is growing their presence in the Bastrop area. Successful global businesses like Sonoco support the health and vitality of our local communities and clearly illustrate the competitive business climate in North Louisiana."
"The benefit of Sonoco's expansion is two-fold," said Terry Matthews, Morehouse Parish Police Jury President. "Their 30-year presence in Morehouse Parish communicates a commitment to being here for the long haul. It also should mean added business and needed jobs in support sectors such as our trucking and service industries."
About Sonoco
Founded in 1899, Sonoco (NYSE: SON) is a $4.1 billion global manufacturer of industrial and consumer products and provider of packaging services, with about 300 operations in 35 countries, serving customers in some 85 nations. Sonoco is a proud member of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI), a global composite index that recognizes leading global companies in terms of economic performance, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Sonoco also has been ranked as one of the 100 greenest large companies in the United States in Newsweek's inaugural Green Rankings, which evaluated the country's 500 largest companies on their environmental performance, green policies and reputation. Sonoco, which was listed 94th, had the best ranking of any U.S.-based packaging company. For more information on the Company, visit our Web site at www.sonoco.com.
