Area Development
Sonoco, diversified packaging company, opened its $15 million, 142,230 square foot, production facility where it manufactures rigid plastic containers for personal care products at its new Beauty Park in New Albany, Ohio.

According to Rodger Fuller, vice president of Rigid Plastics, Sonoco's new plant is operating 11 injection stretch blow-molding production lines, producing PET bottles for personal care products. In addition, the plant is operating four injection molding machines that are producing plastic components for wall air fresheners.

"Sonoco Plastics is a leader in designing and producing innovative, customized rigid plastic packaging for some of the largest personal care brands in North America. As we continue to ramp up production from our new Beauty Park facility we will be adding six more injection stretch blow-molding lines," Fuller said. "By year-end 2012, we expect to be in full production and reach total employment of 70 people. That said, we have the capacity and capability to further grow this plant's production for other personal care and food-grade containers."

Sonoco Plastics manufactures of mono-layer and multi-layer blow-molded bottles and jars, thermoformed cups and trays and engineered molded and extruded containers, spools and trays. In addition to the Beauty Park facility, Sonoco Plastics operates a state-of-the-art food-grade, blow-molding and injection molding plant in Columbus, Ohio. The Company said it is currently reviewing plans for additional expansion of this facility as well, Fuller added. The company qualified for an Ohio Tax Credit Authority job creation grant and other tax incentives.