"Clearly, 2009 was one of the most difficult, and yet one of the most rewarding years for Sonoco. The continuation of the deepest global recession in decades significantly impacted volumes companywide, particularly in our businesses which serve industrial markets," Harris E. DeLoach, Jr., chairman, president and chief executive officer, wrote in his letter to shareholders in the 2009 annual report.

"In response we moved quickly to lean our business by sizing our manufacturing footprint to meet the new market realities of our served markets. In addition, we realigned our businesses and streamlined our management organization. By proactively 'managing the guts' of our business, we significantly reduced costs, achieved record productivity, and improved annual gross profit margins to the highest level since 2007," DeLoach noted.

Sonoco has mailed the 2009 annual report and proxy statement to its shareholders in preparation for its annual meeting, which will be held on 21 April 2010, in Hartsville, beginning at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. For those unable to attend the meeting in person, a live webcast can be accessed via the Internet at http://www.sonoco.com, under the "Latest News" section. Those planning to participate should plan to connect to the live webcast at least 10 minutes before the start. The meeting webcast also will be archived on the "Investor Relations" section of Sonoco's Web site.

Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a USD 3.6 billion global manufacturer of industrial and consumer products and provider of packaging services, with about 300 operations in 35 countries, serving customers in some 85 nations. For more information on the vompany, visit http://www.sonoco.com.