Sonoco Signs Agreement with Summer Industries to Market Sonotube(R) Concrete Forms to Florida...

HARTSVILLE, S.C. -- Sonoco (NYSE:SON), the market and technology leader in the design and manufacture of concrete construction forms, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Welcome, N.C.-based Summer Industries to market and sell Sonotube([R]) brand concrete construction forms to distributors, builders and contractors in Florida.

The agreement combines Sonoco's industry leading technology, the strength of the Sonotube brand, and Summer Industries' production and service capability in Florida to better meet the needs of the Sunshine State's growing construction industry.

Steve Summer, president of Summer Industries, said the agreement offers an exciting opportunity to provide innovative new products and services to the construction industry in Florida. Earlier in 2007, Summer Industries broadened its tube, core and composite can offering in Florida with the acquisition of tube manufacturer, Tampa Tube Containers, Inc.

"There's a great need for innovative building products in the Florida market," Summer said. "Sonoco's technologically advanced construction products are designed to save contractors time and money. We are pleased that we can make these products more readily available throughout Florida."

John M. Colyer, Jr., vice president and general manager for Sonoco's North American Industrial Products division, said he looks forward to working with Summer Industries to better serve the Florida market.

"Summer Industries has a reputation for meeting challenging specifications and service requirements, and is best positioned to service the Florida construction industry. We hope to complement and enhance that position by continuing to offer the market the best combination of service, quality, and technology," Colyer said.

Colyer added that Sonoco's extensive product portfolio, as well as the Company's research and development capabilities, will increase the choices that Summer Industries can provide customers.

In January 2007, Sonoco launched Sonotube([R]) Commercial, the Company's most durable, water-resistant concrete form. The new patent-pending, poly-woven design of Sonotube Commercial offers exceptional tear resistance and its strength allows it to stand up to full liquid head pressures of up to 20 feet. Developed to provide commercial contractors more flexibility, the new Sonotube Commercial form is more water-resistant than paper forms and able to withstand 72 hours or more of rainfall. The new forms are a lighter, cost-effective and more versatile alternative to steel and fiberglass forms, and as a result are easier to handle and safer to use on the job site.

The Sonotube brand is recognized worldwide in the construction industry. The Sonotube family continues to expand with innovative products and features designed to make forming projects easier. In addition to Sonotube Commercial forms, Sonoco's product lines include Sonotube Round forms, Sonotube Finish Free([R]) concrete forms, and Sonotube Square concrete forms. For more information on Sonotube, visit www.sonotube.com.

About Sonoco

Sonoco, founded in 1899, is a $3.7 billion global manufacturer of industrial and consumer products and provider of packaging services, with more than 300 operations in 35 countries, serving customers in some 85 nations. For more information on the Company, visit www.sonoco.com.

About Summer Industries

Summer Industries was formed in 2000 and is recognized as one of the largest and fastest growing, regional manufacturers of spiral-wound paper tubes and cores in the industry. Summer Industries operates four manufacturing facilities serving customers across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast United States.