DS Smith invests US$16.5M in Romanian packaging sites, adding converting line, cooling system

ROMANIA – DS Smith has invested €14.1 million (approximately US$16.5 million) in its Romanian sites, with €10.5 million (approximately US$12.3 million) for a Timișoara converting line, automation, warehouse expansion, and cooling system, plus €3.6 million (approximately US$4.2 million) for Ghimbav infrastructure upgrades.

The Timișoara investment is due to be completed by the first quarter of 2027. 

The plan covers more automation, changes to manufacturing flow, and a larger warehouse to address logistics needs and cut delivery times. 

The new converting line aims to support work for current and future customers through updated technology, higher efficiency, live quality monitoring, and the ability to make additional packaging formats.

Cooling System for Worker Welfare

DS Smith has installed a cooling system at the Timișoara plant that reduces temperatures in production halls by up to 5°C under its “Health and Wellbeing” programme. 

In corrugated packaging plants, summer heat can make working conditions uncomfortable and affect adhesive performance. 

A 5°C reduction improves worker comfort without the energy cost of fully air-conditioning large warehouse spaces.

Ghimbav Follows $15.2 Million Investment

In Ghimbav, the group plans to invest a further €3.6 million in 2026, following a €13 million (approximately US$15.2 million) investment launched at the same plant in 2023. 

The funding will go towards infrastructure upgrades and improvements to corrugated board manufacturing equipment. 

The cumulative investment in Ghimbav since 2023 now totals approximately €16.6 million (approximately US$19.4 million).

Growth Strategy Amid Challenging Environment

Christian Schmidt, DS Smith Packaging Romania cluster director, explained that in 2026, DS Smith Packaging Romania continues to accelerate its investments and business transformation, with a clear growth direction and ambitious objectives for the coming period.

He noted that despite a challenging economic environment, the company remains focused on development, competitiveness, and delivering concrete responses to the constantly changing needs of customers. 

He added that strong volume growth for the second consecutive year confirms that the company’s strategy meets market demands.

When a Box Plant Gets Smarter

A converting line that monitors quality in real time, a cooling system that cuts production floor temperatures, and a warehouse designed for faster dispatch are not incremental upgrades, they are a production rethink. 

DS Smith’s €14.1 million Romanian investment is not about adding square metres; it is about making every existing square metre work harder.

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