Irish corrugated packaging firm Smurfit Kappa has invested $ 23.5 million to convert its Nuevo Laredo sheet plant in Mexico into a fully-integrated corrugated plant.
The investment saw the installation of a new corrugator and the expansion of the building.
The new machine, which began operation recently, will help double the production capacity and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 40%.
Smurfit Kappa said that the Nuevo Laredo plant is located in the Tamaulipas region in Northeastern Mexico where the packaging firm has partnerships in the industrial, electrical appliances and electronics sectors.
The increased capacity will support the company in optimising its operations in San Antonio, Texas where there is significant demand for sustainable packaging.
«This investment reinforces our commitment to being an important player in the growth of the Mexican market. It will also strengthen our partnerships within the sectors that drive the local economy in the Nuevo Laredo region» says Laurent Sellier, Smurfit Kappa CEO for the Americas.
Smurfit Kappa said that the investment will also make significant inroads in the plant’s sustainability targets.
«The enhanced production capacity we now have because of this investment has strengthened our ability to meet the needs of current and indeed potential customers in the region» says Eduardo Rubio, Smurtfit Kappa CEO for North America.
«Smurfit Kappa is a reliable source of high-performance, sustainable packaging, no matter how complex the product or supply chain requirements are».
The latest investment comes after the company’s $ 22 million expansion of its Culiacan corrugated plant in Northwest Mexico in 2021.