Packaging industry not spared by tough economy

• Flexotecnica has completed a number of installations in the U.S. in 2008 and has a backlog of orders for the beginning of 2009. As a result, its North American service infrastructure is being reinforced in 2009 to further support this growth.

• Cascades Inc. made its first investment of $5 million at its Norampac plant in Kingsey Falls, to streamline this linerboard facility. In Quebec, Cascades invested more than $50 million last year and about $175 million was allocated for fixed capital costs for its entire organization worldwide. In 2009, depending on the economy and the company’s financial performance, Cascades plans to invest about $100 million in capital costs.