Sonoco Plans $40M Richmond Mill Expansion

Sonoco plans to invest $40 million over two years to modernize and expand its Richmond, Virginia, paperboard mill, adding about 9,000 tons of annual production capacity. The mill supplies paperboard for Sonoco’s paper-can packaging and produces lightweight Tan Bending Chip grades. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with upgrades to board formation and production capabilities in the first phase, followed by investments in pulping, water systems and automation; the work is targeted for completion by the end of 2028. Sonoco expects to maintain current output with minimal disruption during construction.