US-based packaging company Sonoco has completed the 18,000ft2 expansion of its thermoforming location in Waynesville, North Carolina.

The company plans to start up a new multilayer, trim-in-place line, which will facilitate the production of a wide variety of containers for chilled foods, as well as thermally processed shelf stable food products.

In addition to the new line, the Waynesville facility has added capacity through plant consolidation efforts. As a result of the new line and added capacity, the company has hired 33 new employees.

Sonoco noted that the investment complements its existing capabilities for processed food packaging, which include crystallized polyethylene terephthalate (CPET) and polypropylene frozen food trays; portion control cups; and blow molded bottles for retorted and aseptically processed beverages.

Sonoco is a provider of a variety of consumer packaging, industrial products, protective packaging, and displays and packaging supply chain services. The company has over 340 operations in 34 countries, with annualized net sales of approximately $4.5bn.