Sonoco to close two composite can plants

Sonoco, the world's largest manufacturer of composite cans, will close two of its US can plants, one in Denison, Texas, and one in Masillon, Ohio, and consolidate those operations into other facilities, according to Charles L. Sullivan, senior vice president, Consumer Packaging.

At the time of the announcement the Denison facility employs 41 personnel, while the Masillon facility employs50 personnel. Some employees will be offered transfers within Sonoco, and outplacement assistance will be provided to all others. The plants are expected to close in early Spring 2003.

The Denison plant is a dedicated facility serving General Mills with composite cans for its refrigerated dough products, operated by Sonoco since 1987. Sonoco will continue to supply General Mills from other existing locations. General Mills announced earlier this week the early 2003 closure of its refrigerated dough operations in Denison.

Customers previously served by the Masillon plant will now be served from Sonoco's other existing locations. Sonoco has operated the Masillon facility since 1999.

"Closing a plant is never easy. We truly appreciate the outstanding service rendered by the employees at these locations and the support of their respective communities. However, as market conditions change for our customers, this action is necessary to maintain an appropriate cost structure and continue providing our customers with the highest level of quality, service and innovation,"​ stated Sullivan.

Sonoco, founded in 1899, is a $2.6 billion manufacturer of industrial and consumer products and provider of packaging services, with approximately 300 operations in 32 countries serving customers in some 85 nations.