Smurfit Kappa to invest $33m in Brazilian plant expansion

Investment in Fortaleza will also involve the establishment of an innovation centre

Packaging giant Smurfit Kappa is to invest $33 million (€28.9 million) in its Brazilian operations to expand its plant in Fortaleza.

The company said the investment, which will also expand innovation capability at the production site, was designed to meet the growing demand for innovative and sustainable packaging.

As part of the expansion, a new corrugator will be installed, along with several high-end printers, extending both its shelf-ready packaging capability and its ecommerce packaging capability. A new innovation centre will also be established to foster customer collaboration and enhance the development of sustainable packaging solutions.

"Today's announcement will ensure Smurfit Kappa can support our customers to gain even more share in their markets. The combination of an innovation centre and state-of-the-art technology will provide greater opportunities to collaborate with customers to deliver innovative, inspiring and sustainable solutions," said Manuel Alcalá, chief executive of Smurfit Kappa Brazil.

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Laurent Sellier, chief executive of Smurfit Kappa in the Americas, said Brazil was an essential market for Smurfit Kappa. "We are excited to dedicate significant resources of the company's global investment plan to expand our presence in the northeast. It is clear testament to Smurfit Kappa's commitment to this market."

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien is an Irish Times business and technology journalist