Oct 26, 2005. /Lesprom Network/. Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation announced on Tuesday that it has entered into a joint venture agreement with Weedon psc, a corrugated point-of-sale display and packaging business. Together, the companies will launch an i2i design center in the United Kingdom called i2i Europe, which will focus on adding value to the European retail market. This newly formed joint venture reinforces Smurfit-Stone’s longstanding relationship with Weedon psc. Working together, they will provide value-added, creative, shelf-ready packaging and supply chain solutions to retailers in the U.K. The agreement further enhances Smurfit-Stone’s abilities to offer complete merchandising solutions to European-based retailers as well as North American retailers operating in Europe. “We are excited to strengthen our alliance with Weedon psc through the formation of i2i Europe,” said Lane Hunter, senior vice president and general manager of Smurfit-Stone’s i2i merchandising business. “This agreement underscores Smurfit-Stone’s commitment to provide innovative solutions to our customers by partnering with a network of service providers as we continue to seek growth opportunities in today’s evolving marketplace.” “We are delighted to have formed this joint venture with Smurfit-Stone. i2i Europe is an exciting and highly significant opportunity to add value to both European retailers and their global supplier base,” said John Weedon, managing director of Weedon psc. “This unique partnership will combine retailer-focused design and supply chain solutions, supported by the Smurfit-Stone global packaging manufacturing base.” Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation is the industry’s leading integrated manufacturer of paperboard and paper-based packaging. Smurfit-Stone is a leading producer of containerboard, including white top linerboard and recycled medium; corrugated containers; point-of-purchase displays; multiwall and specialty bags; and clay-coated recycled boxboard; and is one of the world’s largest collectors and marketers of recovered fiber. In addition, Smurfit-Stone is a leading producer of solid bleached sulfate, folding cartons, flexible packaging, and labels. The company operates approximately 250 facilities, located primarily in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and employs approximately 35000 people.