DS Smith Hellas, a leading supplier of sustainable paper-based packaging solutions in Greece, announced the completion of the upgrade of its industrial plant in Corinthos. The €17.6 million investment will further increase the plant's production capacity by 30%. At the same time, it aims to upgrade equipment and enhance product quality for innovative packaging solutions.
As the company points out, the investment in the Corinth plant is part of a wider investment programme worth €33.9 million, which began with the upgrade of the industrial unit in Ierapetra. This two-year investment in DS Smith Hellas' three plants is expected to increase production capacity, improve energy efficiency and further the company's goals for sustainability and innovation in the packaging sector.
Reinier Schlatmann, Regional Managing Director at DS Smith Eastern Europe, said: "I am delighted to announce the completion of an investment of almost €18 million at our Corinth plant, as part of a wider investment programme totalling almost €34 million in the Greek market. This latest investment will significantly increase our production capacity, quality and the range of innovative packaging solutions we offer to our customers. It will also enable even more plastic replacement alternatives and further strengthen our position in this important market."
The investment in the Corinth plant
A state-of-the-art Bobst Master DRO machine was installed at the company's industrial plant in Corinth, upgrading printing capabilities and improving energy efficiency. At the same time, a 2.8 m Fosber Corrugator machine was installed to enhance operational efficiency and optimise the plant's resource management, contributing to an overall increase in efficiency. A building extension of 825 m2 was also carried out to house the new paper machine and the construction of the raw materials warehouse, which measures 3,300 m2, was completed.
In addition, the expansion of the finished goods warehouse by 2,330 m2 is expected to be completed by November 2024. The infrastructure upgrade improves the management of materials logistics and boosts the plant's productivity by creating a dedicated area for work-in-progress (WIP) materials, with the aim of efficiently managing the intermediate stages of the production process. Significant upgrades were also made to the plant's peripheral equipment, including transformers and glue preparation facilities
As a result of this upgrade, DS Smith Hellas' customers will be able to benefit from the development of innovative and high-quality packaging solutions, enhancing their brand image and ensuring that their products stand out both in retail stores and online. High-quality sustainable packaging solutions guarantee the protection and safe transport of products while reducing unnecessary waste during the production process, with particular attention paid to material recovery.
With the completion of the investment in the Corinth plant, DS Smith Hellas confirms its commitment to support its customers in achieving their environmental goals and in the transition to a circular economy.
George Filippoglou, Managing Director at DS Smith Hellas, said: "Our recent investment in upgrading our industrial facility in Corinth is an important step towards the adoption of good circular economy practices. Our priority is to support our customers in achieving their environmental goals and offer them high-quality packaging solutions, focusing on growth and sustainability as central pillars of our strategy. Through our dynamic investment plan, DS Smith Hellas is actively responding to Greece's need for sustainable growth."
