Sonoco to Close Chicago Area Injection Molded Plastics Facilities

The Chicago injection molded plastics plants have approximately 50 employees combined and produce plumbing- related plastic components.

08/12/06 Sonoco, the global packaging company, will close two Chicago, Ill., injection molded plastics plants, effective January 31, 2007, it was announced today by Robert L. Puechl, division vice president and general manager, Molded Plastics.

The planned closing affects two of Sonoco's Chicago facilities located at 2601 North Pulaski Road and 840 North Western Avenue, and is part of the Company's previously announced plans to reduce its cost structure, including the closing of 12 plants globally in 2007. The Chicago injection molded plastics plants have approximately 50 employees combined and produce plumbing- related plastic components. Sonoco will offer outplacement services and severance to all employees affected by the closing.

"It is always difficult to close facilities because of the impact on employees," said Puechl. "However, this action is necessary because the markets we serve for plumbing-related plastic equipment and parts are moving offshore."