GREECE – DS Smith Hellas, the leading manufacturer of sustainable packaging solutions in Greece, is investing €33.9 million (US$37.5m) to purchase new machinery for innovative packaging solutions and capacity enhancements.
The investment plan will be implemented over the next two years across the packaging giant’s three sites in the country.
The move supports plastic replacement, increases capacity and boosts productivity. The business aims to differentiate itself in the market by supporting customers in reaching their environmental targets.
Reinier Schlatmann, regional managing director at DS Smith East Europe said: “Fifty-six percent of consumers aim to reduce their plastic use, and they are choosing companies who share this commitment.
“This investment will significantly increase our capacity and provide the highest quality and innovative packaging solutions in the Greek market and shows the importance of Greece in our growth strategy for the region.
“We are dedicated to working with customers who share our vision and continue to deliver innovative packaging solutions for a more sustainable future.”
In addition, the investment is said to significantly impact DS Smith Hellas’ footprint in Greece, where the company currently employs 423 people and supports the local community through corporate social responsibility activities.
Starting with upgrades at Ierapetra’s Box Plant this summer, DS Smith Hellas says it is set to transform the industry with the latest technology, innovative solutions, improved efficiencies and the highest quality offerings.
At Ierapetra Box Plant, a site with significant importance for the primary food sector of Crete Island, the installation of a new Rotary Die Cutter (RDC) converting machine, accompanied by required building extensions, will further enhance operational efficiencies and packaging quality.
The addition of this fully automatic machine with six high-precision Printing Units will enable the site to excel in modern equipment setup.
Additionally, a Flatbed Die Cutter (FDC) converting machine will be installed in the coming months, strengthening the innovative and sustainable packaging designs for the vegetables produced in the area of Ierapetra to travel across Europe.
With these additions, the site will enter a new era, highlighting the company’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions and increasing production capacity by 25%.
DS Smith Hellas is also planning similar investments in its other two sites in Corinth and Thessaloniki, aiming to increase capacity, modernize equipment and minimize raw material wastage.
The company says these investments would offer its customers opportunities to experiment with different designs and branding activations to create packaging that stands out in the market.
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