Sofidel America Expanding U.S. Manufacturing Operations
Continued growth of private label paper products has challenged suppliers to meet this demand as retailers seek new sources to help fill their shelves with high value, quality items their shoppers are seeking.
To address this challenge, Sofidel America continues enhancing its U.S. manufacturing efforts. The company recently purchased a facility in Minnesota and is expanding production at its manufacturing plant in Ohio.
As the company grows its manufacturing footprint in the U.S. it is also focused on the issue of sustainability. Sofidel America sources raw materials that are certified sustainable by third party organizations. Also, its new plants bring the company closer to key retail customers, minimizing its carbon footprint.
Recently, Mary Conwell, sales lead at Sofidel America, shared insights into the latest efforts by the company to meet the private label product needs of retailers and their customers while also staying focused on initiatives that maintain the company’s commitment to being Earth-friendly.
STORE BRANDS: What are some of the more recent investments made by Sofidel to enhance its U.S. manufacturing efforts?
MARY CONWELL: Recently, Sofidel America purchased ST Paper in Duluth, Minn., which was finalized at the end of January. We were excited to add this papermaking facility to our existing list of plants as it helps expand our reach of retail paper products, primarily for private label brands, in the Midwest along with our Away From Home (AFH) business. We have plans to expand this facility into a fully integrated plant down the road with converting and warehousing capabilities.
We also are adding a third state-of-the-art papermaking machine to our greenfield plant in Circleville, Ohio. Groundbreaking on the new conventional paper machine project began in late March which complements our growing business and need for additional paper capacity. We’ve seen the retail and AFH tissue industry grow tremendously in recent years, and we’re excited to provide customers with sustainable options that are third-party, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. Customers can trust that our products are sustainable as we’re actively sourcing raw materials from responsibly managed forests.
SB: How have these investments positively impacted Sofidel’s business?
CONWELL: We’re proud of our recent investments as they showcase our commitment to providing customers with high-quality products that meet their needs. Furthermore, the expansion of the Circleville facility and planned expansion in Duluth highlight our commitment to our employees – current and future. It shows them that their hard work is paying off and allows us to provide more jobs in locations where we have plants across the United States.
"We’ve seen the retail and away from home tissue industry grow tremendously in recent years, and we’re excited to provide customers with sustainable options that are third-party, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. Customers can trust that our products are sustainable as we’re actively sourcing raw materials from responsibly managed forests."
— Mary Conwell, Sofidel America
SB: What is unique about Sofidel’s new state-of-the-art napkin and facial manufacturing capabilities?
CONWELL: These new converting lines enable us to further expand our business into two other paper categories along with bath tissue and paper towels. These new investments will help us increase our efficiency and enable us to meet private label needs across all four paper segments.
SB: How do these new manufacturing facilities help to further enhance Sofidel’s commitment to sustainability?
CONWELL: With these new investments, particularly in Circleville and Duluth, we’re able to have the right resources in the right location. This aids in supply chain logistics and our sustainability efforts. At Sofidel, we’re highly focused on how our supply chain decisions impact our carbon footprint. Having papermaking and converting locations closer to where retail partners and distributors are located helps minimize carbon emissions from transporting the raw materials and finished products.
As mentioned, sustainability is a major focus for us, and so is transparency. Even though we’re a private company, each year we publish our sustainability report to show consumers and customers that we do all we can to provide high-quality, sustainable paper products.
Earlier this year, we again made the Leadership Band of the CDP Supplier Engagement Rating Report and earned an A- rating in the Paper Products & Packaging category. For a second year in a row, we ranked #1 out of 111 companies by Morningstar Sustainalytics in the Household Products category.
It’s an honor to be recognized by prestigious, third-party organizations such as CDP and Morningstar Sustainalytics as it highlights our dedication to sustainability and being known as a trustworthy provider of paper products.
SB: Looking toward the future, what additional investments is Sofidel looking to make with its U.S. manufacturing?
CONWELL: Our research and development team is highly in tune with the changing market conditions and understanding what our customers and consumers need. We’re focused on being flexible and capable of switching gears to grow, especially in the private label space, which is where we’ll continue to invest.