Recent decision U.S. packaging maker Sonoco Products has communicated that it will permanently shut down its uncoated paperboard (URB) mill operations in Sumner, in the U.S. state of Washington, effective immediately.
The mill has been in operation since 1915, and it has been owned by Sonoco since 1980. The facility is fitted with a manufacturing capacity of some 40,000 tonnes per year, the business said in a statement.
“This decision was made as part of Sonoco’s ongoing strategy to optimize our mill network and lower operating costs. Current customers will continue to be served from other Sonoco mill operations. The closure is expected to impact 55 employees and Sonoco will offer severance benefits to the impacted employees,” according to the packaging producer.
“As we continue to evaluate our manufacturing footprint based on the ability to cost effectively serve our customers, we are committed to provide support to our customers and employees through this transition,” said Palace Stepps, Sonoco’s Vice President of North America Paper Products and Fiber Supply.