Sonoco Launches State-of-the-Art Performance Hub in Hyderabad, Strengthening Global IT Capabilities

HYDERABAD, India, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonoco Products Company ("Sonoco") (NYSE: SON), a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, has announced the launch of its cutting-edge Performance Hub in Hyderabad, India. This multi-million-dollar facility is a key milestone in Sonoco's commitment to innovation and digital transformation, aimed at enhancing its technology leadership and creating meaningful opportunities for India's vibrant talent pool.

The cutting-edge facility, with an investment of up to $10 million in the first phase of this strategic initiative, positions Hyderabad at the heart of Sonoco's global strategy, leveraging the city's growing technology ecosystem to drive innovation in packaging solutions worldwide.

The Performance Hub is equipped with modern training environments, collaborative spaces, and advanced IT infrastructure. It focuses on utilizing data analytics, automation, and emerging technologies to drive breakthroughs in packaging design and manufacturing. Additionally, the facility is designed to nurture the next generation of talent, reflecting Sonoco's belief that people build businesses by doing the right thing.

Sonoco aims to onboard around 300 technologists over the next 12-18 months and grow to 500 over the next three years. In alignment with the company's growth aspirations, the hub will provide local talent with opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge global initiatives, bridging India's technology expertise with Sonoco's worldwide operations.

Howard Coker, President and CEO, Sonoco, stated, "The Hyderabad Performance Hub is a major leap forward in our digital transformation. By investing in innovation, we not only enhance our ability to deliver more efficient and sustainable packaging solutions but also provide local talent with unparalleled opportunities to lead advancements in technology and manufacturing."

Speaking on the occasion, Rajeev Ankireddypalli, Vice President, Chief Information Officer, Sonoco, said, "Hyderabad, with its dynamic technology ecosystem, offers the perfect environment for our new hub. This facility will provide a platform for local professionals to engage in transformative projects and directly contribute to global initiatives, advancing Sonoco's technology capabilities and sustainability goals."

Sonoco has appointed Arvind Chittora as the Managing Director of the hub. With over 23 years at Sonoco, where he has led various businesses in India, Arvind brings a wealth of experience to this new role. He said, "I am truly excited about the opportunity to build the workforce of the future for Sonoco in Hyderabad and accelerate our digital and technology roadmap. This marks a significant step in strengthening our global capabilities, fostering innovation, and driving business impact. Hyderabad's deep talent pool and dynamic ecosystem provide the perfect foundation for this journey, and I look forward to shaping a high-performing team that will contribute to Sonoco's continued success."

Impact on India:
The launch of the Sonoco Performance Hub highlights India's role as a strategic partner in Sonoco's global journey. Beyond creating jobs, the hub is expected to contribute to the local economy by forming partnerships with academic institutions, offering internships and training programs, and fostering skill development among young professionals. This initiative positions Hyderabad as a key player in Sonoco's global ecosystem, enabling Indian talent to lead innovations that resonate worldwide.

Looking Ahead:
The Hyderabad Performance Hub represents an exciting step in Sonoco's digital transformation, empowering the company to deliver innovative, sustainable, and efficient packaging solutions to customers worldwide. With a strong focus on tapping into Hyderabad's dynamic technology landscape, Sonoco is set to lead the future of packaging innovation on a global scale.

About Sonoco:

Founded in 1899, Sonoco (NYSE: SON) is a global provider of packaging products. With net sales of approximately $6.8 billion in 2023, the Company has approximately 22,000 employees working in more than 300+ operations around the world, serving some of the world's best-known brands. With our corporate purpose of Better Packaging. Better Life., Sonoco is committed to creating sustainable products, and a better world, for our customers, employees and communities. The Company ranked first in the Packaging sector on Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for 2022 and was also included in Barron's 100 Most Sustainable Companies for the fourth consecutive year. For more information on the Company, visit our website at www.sonoco.com.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2623178/SONOCO_Logo.jpg