Sonoco Finalizes Clear Pack Acquisition

Franklin Park, IL - Sonoco recently announced that it has completed the acquisition of Clear Pack Co., a privately held vertically integrated manufacturer of thermoformed and extruded plastic materials and containers, based in Franklin Park, IL. Terms were not disclosed. The transaction, expected to be slightly accretive to earnings in 2007, will expand Sonoco's rigid plastic operations.

Clear Pack was founded in 1968 and has annual sales of some $45M. The company operates a 240,000-ft2 manufacturing and warehouse facility in Franklin Park that produces commercial roll stock and thermoformed products. The company claims that it has 14 high-speed, roll-fed thermoformers capable of running high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polypropylene (PP), high- density polyethylene (HDPE) and oriented polystyrene (OPS). The company has five extrusion lines capable of extruding a variety of HIPS and PP blends. The company also has co-extrusion capabilities as well as in-line lamination for application of multilayer laminates to meet chemical and barrier requirements. Clear Pack produces plastic containers for several consumer product and food service companies, including packaging for single-serve condiments, fresh produce, and other food service needs.

Sonoco's rigid plastic operations provide blow molded, thermoformed, extruded, and injection-molded plastic containers, closures, and other products for the food and nonfood markets, including containers for liquid beverages, processed foods, sauces, pet foods, powdered beverages, and snacks, as well as household chemicals, industrial chemicals, adhesives and sealants, and personal care.

SOURCE: Sonoco