Matrix Packaging to open U.S. plant

Sonoco has announced that its Misissauga, Ont.-based Matrix Packaging unit will open a rigid packaging container plant in St. Louis, Mo. to meet growing demand for packaging to serve the home and personal care market.

The new plant is expected to begin operation in the first quarter of 2008, producing extruded blow molded bottles for household chemical and personal care markets. Matrix has signed a new multi-year contract with a new large consumer products customer to produce the containers.

“Since acquiring Matrix Packaging at the end of May, we have seen the business continue to grow sales with new and existing customers,” said Sonoco CEO Charles Sullivan. “Developing a new plant in St. Louis is an opportunity for Matrix to further expand its production capability and to support the growing needs of our customers.”

The 150,000 square foot plant is expected to be highly automated and initially operate six extrusion blow molding machines. The plant will initially employ approximately 75 workers.

Matrix Packaging also noted that they are seeing growth at their existing facilities. The company will add three new blow molding machines in plants in Canada, Los Angeles and Jefferson City, Mo. later this year.