ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Sept. 06, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sonoco ThermoSafe, a unit of Sonoco (NYSE:SON) and a leading global provider of temperature-assurance packaging, has acquired the PharmaPort 360 assets, licenses, trademarks and manufacturing rights from AAR, to enter the active temperature-controlled cargo containers market.

Sonoco ThermoSafe will own and lease the PharmaPort 360 containers globally while signing a multi-year agreement with AAR to manufacture, repair and perform maintenance services. The PharmaPort 360 is an innovative active container that uses regenerative heat exchangers to maintain stringent temperature control for high-value cargo. These containers, which are approved by the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), can be used to safely ship temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, blood plasma and other biological cargo via air or ground transportation.

Vicki Arthur, vice president of Sonoco Protective Solutions, said, “This acquisition is in line with our strategy to provide the best temperature-controlled shipping solution irrespective of technology platform (passive or active) to meet our customers’ critical needs for shipping high-value pharmaceuticals and biologics globally. Sonoco is committed to investing in passive and active technologies, like that of PharmaPort 360, and expanding its presence globally in the temperature-controlled packaging industry.”

“This transaction leverages AAR’s specialty container manufacturing capabilities and its focus on aftermarket support, while partnering with an industry leader in the sales and fulfillment requirements associated with transportation of products for the pharmaceutical industry,” said AAR Senior Vice President of Technology Products Lee Krantz.

PharmaPort® containers provide safe, reliable 5°C door-to-door transport of pharmaceuticals and other high-value cargo. Its exclusive Pro-Tectic® regenerative phase change technology uses active cooling and heating to maintain assured product temperature stability through an ambient temperature range of -40°C to +60°C. From initial loading in a source facility to unpacking at the destination, PharmaPort® containers transition easily through standard international air and ground transport systems. This allows common carriers and third-party logistics providers to offer precision temperature-controlled service using a proven, self-contained modular unit. To learn more, please visit www.thermosafe.com/active

“PharmaPort 360 is a strategic addition to our product offerings, making Sonoco ThermoSafe a valued partner for many global pharmaceutical and freight forwarding companies by providing the widest range of passive and active bulk temperature-controlled packaging solutions,” said Russell Grissett, vice president of Sonoco ThermoSafe. “Additionally, Sonoco’s global footprint and deep understanding of the temperature-assurance packaging market will help expand the availability of PharmaPort 360 active containers across global regions.”

About Sonoco ThermoSafe
Sonoco ThermoSafe is a leading global provider of temperature assurance packaging for the safe and efficient transport of pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines and other temperature-sensitive products. Sonoco ThermoSafe shipping solutions mitigate risk for our customers and ensure product efficacy throughout the extremes of a supply chain. With operations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, Sonoco ThermoSafe has a vast product offering featuring industry-leading technology that encompasses refrigerated, frozen or controlled room temperature applications. In addition, Sonoco ThermoSafe's ISC Labs^® design and testing services deliver individualized and innovative packaging solutions along with qualification and validation services to meet all regulatory requirements. More information can be found at www.thermosafe.com.

About Sonoco
Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a global provider of a variety of consumer packaging, industrial products, protective packaging, and displays and packaging supply chain services. With annualized net sales of nearly $5 billion, the Company has 20,800 employees working in more than 330 operations in 34 countries, serving some of the world’s best known brands in some 85 nations. Sonoco is a proud member of the 2015/2016 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. For more information on the Company, visit our website at www.sonoco.com.

About AAR
AAR is a global aftermarket solutions company that employs more than 4,500 people in over 20 countries. Based in Wood Dale, Illinois, AAR supports commercial aviation and government customers through two operating segments: Aviation Services and Expeditionary Services. AAR’s Aviation Services include inventory management; parts supply; OEM aftermarket solutions; aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul; and component repair. AAR’s Expeditionary Services include airlift operations; mobility systems; and command and control centers in support of military and humanitarian missions. More information can be found at www.aarcorp.com.