Dec 22, 2004. /Lesprom Network/. Sonoco (NYSE: SON), the global packaging company, announced that it would close its flexible packaging plant in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, by the end of March 2005. Some employees may work into April to assist with final transitions. The Richmond operations will be consolidated into Sonoco's flexible packaging plant at Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. The consolidation is part of the Company's previously announced plans in 2003 to reduce its overall cost structure and is expected to result in significant savings. The plant, located at 13320 River Road, has approximately 67 employees and produces flexible packaging principally for the coffee, confectionary and snack food markets. The Company will offer outplacement assistance to employees. "It is always difficult to close a facility such as Richmond with such excellent quality employees who take great pride in craftsmanship and service to the customer," said Thomas L. Coker, division vice president and general manager, Flexible Packaging. "However, the Richmond plant's location, narrow web printing presses and existing extrusion capability are not a cost effective long-term strategic fit for Sonoco's flexible packaging operations. This consolidation will not adversely affect our ability to serve our markets and customers," said Coker. Sonoco, founded in 1899, is a global manufacturer of industrial and consumer products and provider of packaging services, with more than 300 operations in 36 countries serving customers in some 85 nations. For more information, visit Sonoco's Web site, http://www.sonoco.com .