Cascades Sonoco announces $16 million Alabama expansion

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Canadian based Cascades Sonoco — the joint venture between Sonoco, one of the largest global diversified packaging companies, and Cascades, a leader in the recovery and manufacturing of green packaging and tissue products — will invest $16 million in its Birmingham, Ala. facility, creating an additional 20 jobs.

The companies says the investment will support a new line of packaging containers using the company’s water-based coating technology. Designed for the take-out food and corrugated industries, the companies say the new containers are recyclable, repulpable and compostable.

“This investment represents a significant geographic expansion for water-based products by Cascades Sonoco, especially in the fast-growing Southeastern U.S.,” Rodger Fuller, senior vice president of Sonoco’s Paper & Engineered Carriers, U.S. & Canada, and Display & Packaging, said in a release. “With this exciting addition to its product portfolio, Cascades Sonoco remains dedicated to maintain its market leadership position in protective roll packaging for the paper industry.”

The expansion will soon begin at the Cleage Drive facility with startup expected in the second quarter of 2018. At full capacity, the new coating line will be able to produce roughly 50,000 tons of sustainable coated materials annually.

Cascades Sonoco worked closely on the expansion project with the Alabama Department of Commerce, AIDT, which will provide recruitment and training services, the Jefferson County Commission, Alabama Power Co. and the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA).

“This is a great project that was initially identified through the BBA’s Business Retention and Expansion program,” said Jeff Traywick, senior project manager for the BBA. “Foreign-based companies like Cascades Sonoco recognize the stability of the Birmingham market and find our community a great place to put down roots.”