HARTSVILLE, S.C., April 27 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Sonoco (NYSE: SON), the market and technology leader in the design and manufacture of concrete construction forms, and Oakland, California-based Pacific Paper Tube, Inc. today announced that they have formed an alliance in which each organization will provide Sonotube(R) brand concrete construction forms to West Coast distributors, builders and contractors. The new alliance has been established to combine Sonoco’s industry leading technology, the strength of the Sonotube brand and Pacific Paper Tube’s recognized service to the West Coast construction industry. Patrick Wallace, president of Pacific Paper Tube, says the alliance is an exciting opportunity for the construction industry on the West Coast, particularly in fast-growing construction markets in northern California, Seattle and Las Vegas. “In geographic areas experiencing expansion, there’s a great need for innovative building products,” Wallace said. “Sonoco has an incredible line of technologically advanced products, specifically designed to save contractors time and money. We are pleased that we can now make these products available locally.” John M. Colyer, Jr., division vice president and general manager, for Sonoco’s North American Industrial Products division, says he looks forward to working with Pacific Paper Tube in serving markets on the West Coast.
“Pacific Paper Tube is well known for its flexibility, agility and responsiveness, which leads to excellent customer satisfaction and service delivery. We hope to complement and enhance that reputation,” Colyer said. Colyer added that Sonoco’s extensive product portfolio, as well as the company’s research and development capabilities, will increase the choices that Pacific Paper Tube can provide customers. “Sonoco’s product line will bring the kind of innovative technology that will help Pacific Paper Tube
broaden its already impressive range of products,” he said.
Earlier this year, Sonoco completed the North American roll-out of its new Sonotube(R) concrete construction form with RainGuard(TM) technology, a proprietary fiber form with improved strength, toughness and durability in wet conditions that allows contractors to set the forms even in wet weather, and still pour concrete the next day. The new forms give contractors added scheduling flexibility to complete construction projects on time. The Sonotube brand is recognized worldwide in the construction
industry. The Sonotube family continues to expand with innovative products and features designed to make forming projects easier. Product lines include Sonotube Round forms, Sonotube Finish Free(R) concrete forms, and Sonotube Square concrete forms. For more information on Sonotube concrete forms, visit www.sonotube.com.
About Pacific Paper Tube
Established in 1989, Pacific Paper Tube, Inc. is a family-owned manufacturer and supplier of paper tubes and cores throughout the western United States. The Company operates manufacturing plants in California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada ensuring high-quality products with fast delivery on both large and small orders.
About Sonoco
Sonoco, founded in 1899, is a $3.5 billion global manufacturer of industrial and consumer products and provider of packaging services, with more than 300 operations in 35 countries, serving customers in some 85 nations. For more information on the Company, visit www.sonoco.com.
SOURCE Sonoco
