Sonoco Announces Closure of Uncoated Paperboard Mill in Sumner, Washington

Sonoco's URB mill in Sumner, Washington, has the capacity to produce 40,000 tons per year of uncoated paperboard.

Feb. 5, 2024 - Sonoco Products Company today announced that it will permanently close its uncoated paperboard (URB) mill operations in Sumner, Washington, effective immediately.

The mill has been in operation since 1915 and owned by Sonoco since 1980. It has a capacity of 40,000 tons per year.

This decision was made as part of Sonoco's ongoing strategy to optimize its mill network and lower operating costs.

Sonoco said current customers will continue to be served from other Sonoco mill operations.

The closure is expected to impact 55 employees and Sonoco will offer severance benefits to the impacted employees.

"Closing facilities is never an easy decision," said Palace Stepps, Sonoco's Vice President of North America Paper Products & Fiber Supply. "The mill's team has played an important role in Sonoco's paper operations for over forty years, and we appreciate the hard work and dedication of the entire team.

"As we continue to evaluate our manufacturing footprint based on the ability to cost effectively serve our customers, we are committed to provide support to our customers and employees through this transition," Stepps added.

Founded in 1899, Sonoco (NYSE:SON) is a global provider of packaging products.

SOURCE: Sonoco