Sonoco Acquires EconoReel


Hartsville, South Carolina, USA, 01 December 2009 -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Sonoco (NYSE: SON), one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, today completed the acquisition of the injection molded plastics spools and reels assets of EconoReel Corporation of Logan, Utah. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

EconoReel designs, manufactures, and distributes small to mid-sized diameter plastic and composite spools and reels primarily for the insulated wire market. The acquisition includes a molded plastics spools and reels manufacturing facility in Logan, Utah, and additional manufacturing assets in Mississippi of Southern Reel, a controlled subsidiary of EconoReel.

“EconoReel fills an important gap in Sonoco’s existing plastic, plywood, and composite wire and cable reel business by adding mid-range diameter plastic and plywood-replacement spools and reels,” said Bob Puechl, division vice president and general manager of Sonoco’s Global Rigid Plastics business unit. “In addition, the business provides patented technology that improves product performance and reduces costs for our customers.

”Sonoco’s Global Rigid Plastics business unit manufactures a wide variety of blow-molding, thermoforming and injection molding products for a variety of consumer and industrial applications throughout the world. The company operates 21 plants including 10 states domestically and plants in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Netherlands, and Germany.

Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a USD 4.1 billion global manufacturer of industrial and consumer products and provider of packaging services, with approximately 300 operations in 35 countries, serving customers in some 85 nations. Sonoco is a proud member of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. For more information, visit http://www.sonoco.com.