• Carolina Fiber Company founded by Major James L. Coker and James L. Coker, Jr. To manufacture pulp and paper from Southern Pine.

April 15, 1899

• Major James L. Coker and W.F. Smith signed an agreement forming the Southern Novelty Company in Hartsville, South Carolina, USA. Major Coker was the first president. The initial capitalization was $6,000. One thousand shares authorized; 60 shares issued.

1900

• Sales were $17,000 with net income of $2,000.

1910

• Sales were $132,000 and income was $29,000.

1917

• Installed #1 paper machine in Hartsville.

1918

• Major Coker died at the age of 81. Charles Westfield Coker, his son, was named president.

1920

• Sales were $908,000 and income was $34,000.

1923

• Name changed to Sonoco Products Company.
• Common shares increased 5,000 to total of 6,000 shares with 300% stock dividend.
• Began an affiliate relationship with Textile Paper Tube Company, Ltd. in the United Kingdom.
• Built a second paper machine in Hartsville.

1927

• Acquired Economy Cone and Tube Company of Rockingham, NC, USA
• Acquired Forney Fiber Company of Jersey City, NJ, USA

1929

• Par value changed from $100 to "no par" value. Common shares increased to 150,000 shares;
  old shares converted to new shares at 16-2/3 for one.

1930

• Sales were $1,598,000 and income was $200,000.