News Release

HARTSVILLE, S.C., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonoco (NYSE: SON) today announced that it will close its composite can plant in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and serve its Jeffersonville plant customers from other Company locations in the Midwest. The closing is expected to be completed by the end of September 2001.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991006/SNCLOGO )

The Jeffersonville facility, located at 200 Missouri Avenue, was opened by Sonoco in 1984 and currently employs 18 people. The Company will offer out-placement assistance and alternative employment or severance benefits.

"I regret having to close the Jeffersonville plant and the effect of that closure on the local communities. The people here have been dedicated employees for 17 years and we very much appreciate their contributions to Sonoco. Unfortunately, this action is necessary to maintain our cost effectiveness and to continue our value commitment to our customers. This consolidation will not affect our ability to serve the Jeffersonville plant customers," said Rodger Fuller - Consumer Products Division Vice President - North America.

Sonoco, founded in 1899, is a $2.5 billion manufacturer of industrial and consumer packaging products and provider of packaging services, with approximately 285 operations in 33 countries service customers in 85 nations. For more information on the Company, visit our website at www.sonoco.com.
SOURCE Sonoco
Web site: http: //www.sonoco.com
Photo: NewsCom: http: //www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991006/SNCLOGO AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org PRN Photo Desk, 888-776-6555 or 201-369-3467
CONTACT: Allan V. Cecil, Vice President of Sonoco, 843-383-7524, or e-mail, allan.cecil@sonoco.com
CAPTION: SNCLOGO SONOCO LOGO Sonoco Logo. (PRNewsFoto)[KC] HARTSVILLE, SC USA 10/06/1999