“We got hit with the downturn in the economy in late 2008 and 2009, especially with regard to new home construction,” said Norwood Bizzell, plant manager at Beavercreek Sonoco. “When you think about caulking cartridges, it’s tied heavily to construction and new home building.”
Sonoco decided a year ago to close the plant in Orrville and expand the Beavercreek operation, which already employees 62 people. That $1.65 million expansion at 761 Space Drive that started last December is complete and officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 20.
“Sonoco is a valuable asset to the Beavercreek community,” said Beavercreek Mayor Scott Hadley. “The expansion shows their commitment to our area and to growth, and we wish Sonoco continued success.”
The 16,000-square-foot addition will bring added capabilities and 26 new jobs. Part of the reason Sonoco chose to expand in Beavercreek was the plant’s 750,000-plus injury-free hours and the plant’s history of success since it opened in 1974.
The injury-free period spans more than six years and is a source of pride for the company. “Safety is a very, very high priority,” Bizzell said.
Sonoco also has a plant in Franklin and multiple facilities in Cincinnati, but the expansion came to Greene County.
“We’re the company’s best performing plant in this market,” Bizzell said. “They decided to invest in us and in Beavercreek.”
Bizzell said about 12 candidates have been identified for jobs and the rest should be in place by the first quarter of 2011. He said pay starts at $12 per hour and some workers could make $50,000 with managers earning more. The positions will be in production, administrative, shipping and maintenance.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-6951 or mgokavi@DaytonDailyNews.com
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