WISCONSIN RAPIDS (From news reports) - Sonoco will discontinue its tube and core operations at its facility at 800 Fremont St. in Wisconsin Rapids.

Christy Thompson, Sonoco's global marketing and communications representative, confirmed Monday afternoon the company told its employees Thursday about the decision to shut down operations.

Thompson said the decision was driven by inflation, as well as "excess machine and facility capacity" throughout the organization. Thompson said the company contacted all "stakeholders" and shared the news with them.

"We constantly review our operating footprint to make sure our production structure effectively supports our overall business goals and our customer demands," Thompson said. "When changes need to be made, we communicate those to all impacted stakeholders, beginning with our extremely valued employee base."

Thompson said the transition is scheduled to be complete by March 30, 2023.

Sonoco, a global provider of packaging products purchased Corenso Holdings America in 2019 for $110 million. The plant at 800 Fremont St. converts recycled paper into circular cardboard cores, coreboard and chipboard. The company also operates within the former Verso paper mill producing uncoated recycled board for a variety of products.

According to Sonoco's website, the company operates at multiple locations in Wisconsin Rapids, including on Tenth Avenue North, First Avenue North, Third Avenue North and Fremont Street.