Twin Falls, Idaho, Plastics Plant Slows Production

Aug. 19–TWIN FALLS — Solo Cup’s Twin Falls plastics plant has slowed production as the company deals with excess manufacturing capacity across the country.

“There’s no layoffs, first of all, let me say that,” Solo Cup Plant Manager Mark Leonard said Thursday. “There’s no plan in the future for any types of layoffs. There’s been a temporary slowdown in production, and really that’s about it.”

The Twin Falls plant, which opened in 1997 under Clear Shield National ownership, now employs 150 workers, all fulltime. The plant makes drinking straws and disposable plastic cutlery.

Across the country, Leonard said, Solo Cup has been shutting down some locations and shifting equipment to others as it integrates the operations of Maryland-based Sweetheart Cup, a former competitor that Solo Cup bought last year.

Illinois-based Solo Cup, one of the world’s largest producers of disposable cups, plates and bowls, bought Sweetheart Cup’s parent company, SF Holdings, in February 2004 for $917 million, Knight Ridder News Service reported.

“We’re dealing with some high inventory issues across the company and lower indicated sales,” Leonard said Thursday.

How integration will play out in the company’s Western region isn’t yet clear, he said. “We’re still in the feeling-out mode.” Leonard wouldn’t elaborate on possibilities for the Twin Falls plant. But he indicated that news — when it comes — will be positive.

“There’s some things that are getting ready to happen in this plant, and I want to say some exciting things … in this particular location,” he said.

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