Sonoco Adds Lamination Equipment for Flexible Packaging Ops

Sonoco has made a significant investment in its flexible packaging operations, spending $1.5 million for the installation of state-of-the-art lamination equipment. Designed for the application of dry bond and solvent-less lamination, the investment is the result of Sonoco's commitment to meeting the specialized needs of the medical market. The equipment will be installed in one of Sonoco's three locations dedicated to the production of flexible packaging products. Production is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 1999.

With the investment, Sonoco is showing aggressive pursuit of relationships in the medical packaging market. "While we have long had dry bond and solvent-less lamination capabilities," says Eddie Smith, vice president of Sonoco Flexible Packaging, "the acquisition of this sophisticated equipment allows us to dramatically increase our capacity to provide laminated film to converters serving the pharmaceutical and medical supply industry. Not only will we produce larger quantities, we will be able to do so in less time — a significant advantage for those seeking to speed product-to-market cycle time."

Sonoco is optimistic about the opportunities afforded by its investment, one which will allow the company to produce laminated film for use in manufacturing medical pouches. Sonoco also produces bandages, throat swabs and sterile dressing packages for the medical market.

Sonoco's flexible packaging operations are located in Edinburgh, IN; Fulton, NY; Charlotte, NC; and Morristown, TN. The company supplies high-quality rotogravure and flexographic printed flexible packaging to the confectionery, snack, food processing, medical and other related markets.