Sonoco to set up global capability centre in Hyderabad

US-based packaging giant Sonoco Products Company has announced the establishment of its first-ever GCC in Hyderabad’s HITEC City near IKEA. The firm with annual revenue of USD 7 to 8-billion,will invest up to USD 10-million in the first phase of this strategic expansion. Operations at the facility are slated to commence by May 2025 as reported by major business dailies.

The Hyderabad hub aims to hire 300 engineers within 12-18 months, scaling up to 500 over three years. It will focus on advanced technologies such as AI/ML, IoT, predictive analytics, cybersecurity, and commercial solutions like Salesforce and Microsoft platforms. 

Rajeev Ankireddypalli, vice president and CIO, Sonoco, emphasised that the decision to choose Hyderabad was driven by access to skilled talent and digital infrastructure, rather than cost savings. The hub will initially prioritise process automation and innovation, with plans to evolve into a comprehensive hub for broader business processes. Jochen Le Large, senior director of IT business operations, outlined a two-phase hiring strategy—senior talent recruitment first, followed by graduate intake from local universities.

The Hyderabad GCC marks a pivotal step in the 125-year-old company’s digital transformation and growth strategy. The move aligns with Sonoco’s recent portfolio adjustments, including the acquisition of European metal packaging firm Eviosys and the pending USD 1.8-billion sale of its thermoformed and flexibles packaging business to Japan’s Toppan holdings.