DS Smith Announces EUR 13 Million Investment in Austrian Plants

At DS Smith's Kalsdorf facility, a new folder gluing machine (Masterfold) and a high-performance die-cutter (Masterline) were put into operation.

Feb. 19, 2024 - DS Smith announced that it is making significant investments in Austria: a total of EUR 13 million in its Margarethen am Moos and Kalsdorf bei Graz plants. The investment will increase production in Austria by 20%.

The investment is part of the company's packaging segment's ambitious growth strategy in East Europe.

In a press release, DS Smith stated, "The first steps have already been taken by harmonising the business processes of both sites, including quality management and system standardiation. These initiatives are supported by investments in new machinery at both sites increasing quality, productivity as well as innovation capabilities."

As part of the investment program at the plant in Margarethen, new palletising robots and transfer carriages have been installed, which, in combination with the targeted optimisation of the production process, will enable a significant increase in efficiency.

At the Kalsdorf facility, a new folder gluing machine (Masterfold) and a high-performance die-cutter (Masterline) were put into operation.

In addition, the modernisation of the conveyor system and the expansion of the warehouses at both sites are close to completion. Together, these investments will increase DS Smith's output in Austria by 20% to meet the growing demands of customers, the company explained.

"A significant portion of our investment is dedicated to advancing resource and recycling management. This includes the installation of a new stamping waste press in Kalsdorf, supporting our environmental commitment. The technology will enhance the safe, clean, and efficient disposal of packaging waste, particularly as production scales up," DS Smith said.

"We are also preparing to invest in other sustainable measures. The roofs in Margarethen and Kalsdorf will be extensively renovated and modernised by the summer of 2024 for the possible installation of large-scale photovoltaic systems in later years," the company added.

Dieter Glawischnig, Managing Director of DS Smith Packaging Austria, noted, "Our investments ensure the stability of our supply chains and sustainable business continuity. We also want to make an active contribution to strengthening the regional economy. This involves both continuing employment opportunities in Vienna, Lower Austria, Salzburg, Burgenland and Styria and at the same time creating attractive new jobs for skilled workers."

DS Smith is a leading provider of sustainable fiber-based packaging worldwide, which is supported by recycling and papermaking operations.

SOURCE: DS Smith