SMURFIT Kappa has unveiled plans to invest €24 million in a project to expand its corrugated plant in Rethel, France.
The packaging giant explained that the move will facilitate the ‘consolidation’ of two existing facilities at the plant and the installation of a new corrugator and conversion equipment.
The investment will result in environmental improvements at the plant, with Smurfit Kappa revealing it will bring a saving of at least 150 tonnes annually.
Phase one of the project, including installation of the new corrugator, is due to be completed in the first half of 2022, with full completion of the project expected in 2023.
The investment will include a new 8,200 square metre building designed specifically for the installation of the new high-tech corrugator.
Edwin Goffard, COO of Smurfit Kappa Europe – corrugated and converting, said, “Smurfit Kappa’s ambition to strengthen its position in France continues with this significant new investment. This investment will allow us to grow further and improve our quality of service to the food and industrial markets that we serve.”
Jean-Christophe Bugeon, CEO of Smurfit Kappa France, added, “This investment will not only expand the capacity at our site, but it will also help us to tackle the ever-growing environmental issues our planet faces by significantly reducing the plant’s carbon footprint.”
