Hilex is an industry leading manufacturer of plastic bag and film products. Focusing primarily on high density polyethylene (HDPE) film products and related services, our products range from bagging systems to agricultural films.

As an industry leader, we have introduced many new products and features into the marketplace. Our patented QuikMate EZ® open feature continues to be the standard for self-opening plastic bags. Other key innovations and patents include specialized bag features and dispensing hardware. All of our products and services are focused on practical solutions in our target markets.

Hilex is a US based company with headquarters in Hartsville, SC, and 10 strategically located manufacturing facilities located across the United States. Hilex is a subsidiary of the HPC group of companies, Los Angeles, CA.

Our goal
We will be the leader in satisfying customer needs for polyethylene film products and related systems/services in our target markets. We will be recognized for our commitment to excellence, high performance results and employee satisfaction and involvement.

Our history
In 1980, Sonoco Products Company entered the plastic bag business with one product offering, a 12 x 7 x 24, 18 micron, white film, t-shirt style bag printed in one or two colors. The original plant, located in Onset, MA, consisted of just 3, two-lane bag lines operating at 110 cycles per minute. On a good day the total production capability was 235,000 bags. HDPE resin was initially imported from Germany. A second plant was added in Santa Maria, CA in 1983.

Over the years more manufacturing plants were added and product lines became more varied and specialized to meet the needs of particular market segments. Sonoco's High Density Film Products division continued to expand by acquiring the plastic bag operations of Hilex in 1989. Throughout the 1990's we led the industry in research and development of products that addressed economic, environmental, and ease-of-use challenges.

In 2003, Hilex reentered the plastic bag and film business with the purchase of Sonoco’s High Density Film Products division. In the fall of 2005, Hilex purchased Vanguard Plastics, Inc. creating the largest retail carryout packaging manufacturer in the world. Today, just one of our bag machines can produce over 3 times as many bags as the entire original plant's initial capability. Hilex continues to build on the experience and traditions of the past while moving forward with additional capacity and new products.

Hilex
101 East Carolina Avenue
Hartsville, SC 29550
1-843-857-4800

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