Smurfit Westrock expands in Ecuador with Cartomanabí acquisition

ECUADOR — Smurfit Westrock has completed the acquisition of Cartomanabí, a corrugated packaging producer based in Montecristi, Ecuador, marking its first direct investment in the country.

While financial details were not disclosed, the deal strengthens Smurfit Westrock’s regional supply chain and reinforces its position as a pan-Latin American supplier of paper-based packaging solutions.

Founded in 2020, Cartomanabí produces over 50,000 tonnes per year of corrugated packaging, serving clients in agriculture, protein, fast-moving consumer goods, and industrial sectors.

The acquisition aligns with Smurfit Westrock’s regional growth strategy, enhancing its ability to support customers in Ecuador and neighboring markets with sustainable, innovative packaging solutions.

“This transaction in Ecuador is our first as Smurfit Westrock. It is an important milestone for us in Latin America, where we are the only pan-regional supplier with a fully integrated supply chain and the broadest range of sustainable and innovative paper-based solutions,” said Alvaro Henao, President and CEO of Smurfit Westrock Latin America.

“We look forward to working together with customers in this country and sharing all our knowledge, expertise, and value-driven innovation.”

The acquisition comes as part of a broader strategic reshaping of Smurfit Westrock’s global operations.

Recently, the company announced the permanent closure of a paper machine at its La Tuque mill in Quebec, Canada, which has an annual capacity of approximately 127,000 tonnes of solid bleached sulfate (SBS), along with an associated extrusion facility in Pointe-aux-Trembles.

The closures reflect a reassessment of the company’s asset base to optimize capacity, align production with market demand, and enhance operational efficiency.

The shutdown will impact around 90 employees across the two facilities, with Smurfit Westrock confirming that affected staff will receive career transition support and severance packages according to company policies and union agreements.

This dual approach, regional expansion in Latin America alongside strategic optimization of North American operations, echoes recent industry moves.

Mondi Group has concurrently rationalized certain European assets to focus on high-demand, value-added packaging segments.

Through the Cartomanabí acquisition, Smurfit Westrock positions itself to deliver integrated, sustainable packaging solutions across the Americas, bridging production capabilities between North and South America while reinforcing its focus on innovative, customer-centric paper-based products.