WestRock Company, a leading provider of differentiated paper and packaging solutions, announced a planned investment in its Florence County kraft linerboard mill. This new investment will increase the mill's efficiency, quality and service levels.
Taking place over the next two years, a $410 million investment will include installing a 330" state-of-the-art kraft linerboard machine and related infrastructure that will replace three older, narrow-width paper machines. The company expects the new machine to produce 710,000 tons of kraft linerboard annually. In addition, the company plans to invest approximately $60 million over the next five years to support the new machine and other mill projects.
When coupled with the recently-completed modern woodyard, the Florence mill will become one of the lowest-cost kraft linerboard mills in North America.
The new linerboard machine will be housed in a building adjacent to the existing complex, and the company expects production on the new equipment, along with the shutdown of the three existing machines to occur in the first half of 2020.
Quotes
"This investment will make our Florence mill a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, sustaining good manufacturing jobs and promoting the long-term success of the mill. The support of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership and the S.C. Department of Commerce helped make this investment possible and is greatly appreciated. We look forward to contributing to the Florence community for many years to come." -WestRock CEO Steve Voorhees
"Any time a company invests in our state, it shows a commitment to our citizens that we couldn't be more grateful for. This investment is something that South Carolina should be proud of, and we know that the future is bright for the partnership between our state and WestRock." -Gov. Henry McMaster
"WestRock is not only a leader in the packaging industry, but also a respected name in South Carolina's overall business community. Today, I'm thrilled to congratulate this great company on their continued success in the Palmetto State." -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
"WestRock supports hundreds of jobs in Florence County and remains one of our top employers. We are very pleased that this company will continue to be an important part of Florence County's economy." -Florence County Council Chairman Kent Caudle
"Florence County is excited about WestRock and its new investment in our area - one of the largest in recent history. This is a significant development for the people of Florence County." -Florence County Economic Development Partnership Chairman Frank J. "Buddy" Brand
"This new investment is an important step for Florence County in preserving jobs that support so many families in our community, and is evidence that companies that come to Florence stay in Florence. I'm very pleased that this project will help sustain the significant economic progress that Florence has made in recent years." -S.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Hugh K. Leatherman
Five Fast Facts
- WestRock is upgrading its existing Florence County operations.
- $410 million investment in new machinery and $60 million in other mill projects.
- WestRock is a leading provider of differentiated paper and packaging solutions.
- The company will be installing a new state-of-the-art kraft linerboard machine and related infrastructure to increase the mill's efficiency and service levels.
Production on the new equipment is expected to begin in the first half of 2020.
About WestRock
WestRock partners with our customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock's 45,000 team members support customers around the world from more than 300 operating and business locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at www.WestRock.com.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina's leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, since 2011, South Carolina has ranked among top three in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment on a per capita basis, according to IBM-Plant Location International. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.