Sonoco UK Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sonoco (NYSE: SON), one of the largest diversified global packaging companies and the world's largest producer of paperboard cans, has completed the acquisition of the assets of Robinson Paperboard Packaging Ltd., a division of Robinson PLC (LSE: RBN).

The acquisition will add approximately $10 million in annual sales and includes customer contracts, as well as other business assets of Robinson Paperboard Packaging. As part of the transaction, Sonoco will assume operation of Robinson's Chesterfield paperboard can plant located on Goyt Side Road. Employees at the Chesterfield plant will be retained.

"The purchase of Robinson Paperboard Packaging is a good strategic fit with Sonoco's growing global rigid paper container operations," said Sean Cairns, general manager of Sonoco Rigid Paper and Closures, Europe. "We believe Robinson's proven expertise in innovative paper bottom technology and unique, patented processes provide a strong platform for our continued development and growth in the United Kingdom and Europe."

Cairns added, "This agreement is a win for Robinson, Sonoco and our packaging customers, who are increasingly recognizing the proven advantages that rigid paper containers bring in terms of reducing costs and minimizing the impact on the environment - without compromising quality. Packaging made from rigid paper reduces package weight, makes more efficient use of raw materials and conserves energy."

With origins dating back to 1839, Robinson Paperboard Packaging manufactures rigid paperboard tubes and boxes for the food, drink, toiletries, cosmetics and the gift/presentation markets. The Chesterfield plant is ISO 14001 environmentally accredited, and also has British Retail Consortium/IoP Food Hygiene and ISO 9001 accreditation. Sonoco will continue to work with other parts of Robinson, including its plastics packaging division for the supply of plastic overcaps.

Sonoco has been operating in the UK since 1923 and now has more than 600 employees engaged in consumer and industrial packaging operations at 10 locations. Sonoco operates 44 facilities throughout 15 European countries with annualized sales of more than $700 million and more than 5,000 employees. The Company is the world's largest manufacturer of rigid paperboard containers, producing a variety of round and shaped spiral-wound, recycled paperboard cans, fiber cartridges and single-wrap paperboard containers, serving a variety of food and non-food markets. Sonoco's rigid paperboard operations include operations in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.