SIG opens aseptic carton plant in Mexico

Following a 12-month construction period, production at the plant has now started. This is initially focusing on mid and large-size carton packs; while a second phase is anticipated for expansion into small formats.

Covering an area of 20,751.21 square meters, SIG’s packaging plant in Queretaro starts with a production of 500 million carton packs in the first year of production, increasing to 1.2 billion sleeves in 2024.

With an emphasis on production capacity for printing, cutting, and finishing of carton packs, more than 200 jobs have been created at the new plant, which has a highly flexible layout with a focus on ergonomics and the environment, says SIG.

Aseptic carton growth

Switzerland-headquartered SIG produced 49 billion packs in 2022. A highlight of the year was organic growth of 8% for its aseptic carton business, while acquisitions throughout the year helped it realize its ambitions of global expansion.

In 2008, 25% of the company's sales came from outside of Europe; today that figure is around 70%.

The Americas is a strong region of growth, with revenue up 66% in 2022. The region now accounts for 27% of the company’s business.

Eduardo Gatica, Director of Cluster North America at SIG, said: “Through our existing sales and service presence in North America, we have built strong relationships with our customers in Mexico and established a strong co-manufacturing network in the US.

“Our new packaging plant will enable us to keep up with the growing demand for aseptic carton packs and serve our North American customers faster and more efficiently. We will be able to respond rapidly to changes in demand and reduce our delivery lead times.

“We’re excited to start manufacturing operations in Mexico, working closely with our customers to innovate and explore new opportunities.”