Area Development
Sonoco Flexible Packaging, a global provider of consumer packaging, industrial products and protective packaging for a variety of industries, will invest $9.7 million to expand its Morristown, Tennessee facility, creating 26 new jobs in Hamblen County.

Located at 5701 Superior Drive, the Morristown expansion will include facility improvements and the addition of a new rotogravure press in its flexible packaging division. “This expansion includes the addition of next-wave technology that will allow us to better meet the changing needs of our consumer goods clients, which is important to the continued success of this location that started over 20 years ago,” Sonoco Vice President of Flexible Packaging Bob Puechl said.

“If you have been in a supermarket or any other retail outlet lately, you have seen the great increase, not only in the variety of products, but in the variety of packaging in terms of sizes, colors, shapes and types. Our new equipment, which is targeted to begin producing commercial products Sept. 1, is essential because it gives us the capability to offer the kind of flexibility, speed and quality that our customers demand,” Puechl said. “I think it is important to note that our success is not just about the equipment. Our people are invaluable, and our Morristown employees are a key ingredient to our continued success, as is our partnership with the city of Morristown, Hamblen County and the state of Tennessee.”

“Sonoco’s Morristown plant is very excited about this latest opportunity, and we fully appreciate the confidence that our company and community has in our ability to execute,” Sonoco Morristown Plant Manager Steve Beck said. “We work very hard to earn the right to new investments and new business opportunities, and it’s very rewarding to see this growth and long-term commitment to the Morristown facility.”

“In today’s globally competitive environment, Tennessee continues to be a solid choice for incumbent industries to grow and expand,” said Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty. “With operations in more than 30 countries around the world, Sonoco’s decision to further invest in Morristown is a testament to the state’s ideal location and exceptional transportation infrastructure, and I look forward to much continued success from the company.”

“Sonoco’s expansion is wonderful for our community as it allows a company to diversify its product mix and remain competitive in the world marketplace,” Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce President Marshall Ramsey said.