HARTSVILLE, S.C. — Global packaging company Sonoco announced Tuesday it opened a new testing laboratory in St. Joseph, Mich., to provide protective packaging testing services for Whirlpool and Maytag laundry and other small appliances.
Under a multi-year contract, Sonoco will conduct testing services for Whirlpool at the laboratory, including hydraulic vibration system analysis, compression testing, drop testing, horizontal impact testing and simulated harsh environment testing.
“This new facility is an extension of our relationship and is dedicated to providing accurate and timely lab testing to assure Whirlpool that the packaging used to protect its appliances has been successfully engineered to meet the rigors of transport, storage, and retail distribution,” said Jeffrey J. Stafford, vice president and general manager of Sonoco’s Protective Packaging division. “The facility has been strategically located near the Whirlpool Benton Harbor headquarters, so that the company can have direct access to the facility and our packaging engineers without having to manage its day-to-day operations.”