Canada-based Cascades Sonoco plans to invest $16 million to expand its Birmingham facility, creating 20 jobs.
The investment will be made in water-based coating technology to provide coated paper and paperboard substrates using the company’s new FlexShield, FluteSHIELD and SurfSHIELD coatings.
“This investment represents a significant geographic expansion for water-based products by Cascades Sonoco, especially in the fast-growing Southeastern U.S.,” said Rodger Fuller, senior vice president of Sonoco’s Paper & Engineered Carriers, U.S. & Canada, and Display & Packaging.
“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 company’s new coatings, recently introduced to the folding carton and corrugated industries, are water-based functional and barrier coatings designed to replace the standard coating used in take-out container folding carton applications, as well as wax replacement technology for the corrugated industry.
Teamwork
Cascades Sonoco worked closely on the expansion project with the Alabama Department of Commerce and AIDT, which will provide recruitment and training services. In addition, the company worked with the Jefferson County Commission, Alabama Power Co. and the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) on the project.
“The Jefferson County Commission is pleased that Cascades Sonoco has decided to invest more than $16 million to expand its operations in our community,” Jefferson County Commissioner David Carrington said. “This long-term commitment in capital and increased employment is a testament to our business climate and workforce.”
Cascades Sonoco said work on the Alabama expansion will begin soon, with start-up expected in the second quarter of 2018.
“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.”