Sonoco is restructuring its UK based tube and core business, resulting in the closure of its Leek plant and downsizing of the Brechin facility. The changes follow the US group’s acquisition last December of three core and tube converting businesses from Smurfit UK.

The Leek operation closed last month, affecting 31 employees. Nine more people will go in the Brechin downsizing at the end of December. Sonoco will continue to operate six tube and core facilities in the UK at Coleford, Slough, Milnrow, Jarrow, Lurgan, and Brechin. The company also has a paper mill in Stainland.

Charles Paterno, vp Sonoco Europe, comments: “This new structure will allow us to improve our operating performance, increase customer service and flexibility, and deliver an extended product range to our current and potential customers.”

Sonoco is a $2.6 billion business with some 300 operations in 32 countries.

More information from: Myra Richey, Sonoco – TEL: +1 843 383 3333. EMAIL: myra.richey@sonoco.com