Despite objection from one member of the Opp City Council, the group voted Tuesday to sell a piece of property to a long-time business. The purchase price was not disclosed.

Sonoco submitted an offer to purchase the property the company currently leases on Hwy. 52.

In a letter to the city planner Jason Bryan, Sonoco officials said that it is important for the company to have the ability to expand its operations in Opp.

“While there are no immediate plans for expansion, ownership of this adjacent property will facilitate any future expansion plans,” the letter said. “We plan to continue to be a major manufacturer in Opp and selling this property to us will aide us in this effort.”

Additionally, Sonoco officials said the city would not have to invest any funds for future maintenance of this property.

Sonoco is a $5 billion global provider of consumer packaging, industrial products, protective solutions and display and packaging services. The company has more than 330 operations in 34 countries.

Mayor John Bartholomew said company officials asked to purchase the property below market value.

The city is currently receiving $2,000 a month to lease the property.

Councilman T.D. Morgan asked if selling the property would shrink the city’s net worth.

“This is the only way they can continue to grow,” Bartholomew said. “We don’t want them to leave.”

Morgan said he didn’t feel that the city not selling them a building wouldn’t cause them to leave.

“They will look other places,” Bartholomew said.

He said that selling the property would create jobs, tax revenue and company growth.

“They aren’t going to rent it anymore,” the mayor said.

Council members Arlin Davis, Bobby Ray Owens, Mike Booth and Mary Brundidge voted in favor. Morgan abstained.