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Global Packaging Company Smurfit Westrock Invests US$ 33 Million in Maranguape to Increase Production and Strengthen Presence in the Northeast.
Smurfit Westrock, the global Iris-American corrugated packaging company, announced the expansion of its factory in Maranguape, in the Metropolitan Region of Fortaleza (RMF). The investment of more than US$ 33 million (approximately R$ 184 million) is part of a strategic plan to increase the company’s presence in the Northeast of Brazil, a region considered key for the growth of the packaging industry.
Northeast Complex and the Maranguape Factory
The factory in Maranguape is part of Smurfit Westrock’s Northeast Complex, which includes other facilities in Pacajus and a Packaging Solutions Center.
This complex was designed to meet the growing demand for packaging in the region, offering logistical and operational support for various sectors.
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“With this investment, we diversify our portfolio and increase our production capacity, ensuring a more agile supply for our customers throughout the region. We serve both consumer goods and durable goods companies, always focused on optimizing logistical costs and promoting sustainable market growth”, says Manuel Alcalá, CEO of Smurfit Westrock in Brazil.
The expansion of the Maranguape factory marks a significant advancement for the multinational in Brazil.
With more than 18,500 m² of constructed area, the new unit is seen as a pillar for local economic development.
Smurfit Westrock emphasizes that the investment will support the growth of the corrugated cardboard industry in the region, which already represents 11% of the Brazilian market.
Furthermore, Maranguape’s strategic location, combined with operations in Pacajus, gives Smurfit Westrock an important competitive advantage.
The company expects the new unit to strengthen its operations in the Americas and improve service levels provided to customers.
“The inauguration of this factory is a moment of pride for all of us. It symbolizes our commitment to local development and the corrugated cardboard packaging industry in Brazil”, highlights Jairo Lorenzatto, CEO of Smurfit Westrock Latin America.
New Technologies in the Multinational
The expansion of the multinational’s factory in Maranguape is not only an increase in production capacity but also an advancement in innovation and sustainability.
The unit was designed to obtain certification in Good Manufacturing Practices and has high energy and water efficiency.
One of the main highlights of the new facility is the state-of-the-art corrugator, which will allow Smurfit Westrock to expand its services to different sectors, including consumer and durable goods.
The factory will also be equipped with high-quality printers focused on ready-to-shelf solutions that help increase product visibility in retail.
In addition, the company invested in a new Research and Development laboratory, equipped with cutting-edge technology to conduct tests on papers and packaging.
This laboratory will be essential for creating innovative and sustainable solutions, a commitment that Smurfit Westrock undertakes in all its operations.
Packaging Solutions Center in Maranguape
The factory in Maranguape will be the first in Brazil to house Smurfit Westrock’s Packaging Solutions Center, with 450 m².
This center will be equipped with the company’s exclusive innovation tools and will allow the development of customized packaging solutions for each customer.
“Our goal with the Solutions Center is to optimize our customers’ logistical costs, increase product visibility on shelves, and reduce the environmental impact of packaging”, says Juan Guillermo Ruiz, General Manager of the Northeast Cluster at Smurfit Westrock.
The Strategic Importance of the Northeast for the Multinational Smurfit Westrock
The expansion of Smurfit Westrock in the Northeast reflects the growth potential that the company sees in the region.
The Northeast is home to 30% of Brazil’s population and represents an expanding market for the corrugated cardboard industry.
The company believes that by strengthening its operations in the region, it will be able to better serve its customers and capture new market opportunities.
The new corrugator and high-quality equipment will allow Smurfit Westrock to offer a wider range of products and increase its presence in the region.
“The new equipment offers excellent print quality and allows for the production of larger packaging, which will help us expand our presence in the Northeast”, highlights Juan Guillermo Ruiz.
Smurfit Westrock aims to position itself as a leader in the sustainable packaging market in Brazil.
The company is constantly investing in improvements and innovation to provide its customers with differentiated solutions.
“The strategic location of Maranguape, together with our facility in Pacajus, strengthens our market position and expands our regional reach”, concludes Jairo Lorenzatto.
With the new factory in Maranguape and investment in advanced technologies, Smurfit Westrock demonstrates its commitment to sustainable growth and the development of the communities where it operates. The multinational continues to be a key player in the packaging industry, providing solutions that meet customer needs and contribute to the future of the sector in Brazil.
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