Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced continued momentum in Kentucky’s manufacturing sector with a $51 million investment retaining over 400 jobs in Hancock County from Domtar Paper Co. LLC, a part of the Paper Excellence Group and currently the largest integrated manufacturer and marketer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America.
“Domtar Paper Co. has successfully produced sustainable paper in Kentucky for decades and is positioned for even more growth in the future with this modernization,” said Gov. Beshear. “I want to say congratulations to Domtar on this expansion and thank the company for its longstanding presence in the commonwealth. I’m excited to see the company continue to thrive and grow in Hancock County.”
The project, located at the company’s existing 50-year-old Hawesville mill, will upgrade the current pulper with a modern pulper to gain additional machine capabilities and better service growing markets. Leaders at Domtar plan to have the expansion fully operational by the end of 2025.
“Domtar is pleased to partner with the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority to support the Hawesville mill’s modernization, offering the ability to produce innovative fiber-based products that are growing in demand,” said Hawesville mill manager Murray Hewitt. “Additionally, it promotes stable employment and maintains the Hawesville mill’s standing as a pillar of the community that it has served for over 50 years.”
Founded in 1848 and celebrating 175 years of business this year, Domtar is a leading provider of a wide variety of fiber-based products, including communication, specialty and packaging papers, market pulp and airlaid nonwovens. With approximately 6,400 employees serving more than 50 countries around the world, Domtar is driven by a commitment to turn sustainable wood fiber into useful products that people rely on every day. The company’s principal executive office is in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Domtar’s Hawesville mill is an integrated pulp and paper mill that produces nearly 600,000 tons of fine specialty paper annually.
This expansion adds to Kentucky’s thriving manufacturing sector, which administration-to-date has seen 580 private-sector new-location or expansion projects commit to invest over $21.95 billion and create more than 29,000 jobs.
Hancock County Judge/Executive Johnny W. Roberts Jr. spoke on Domtar’s investment in the workforce.
“We are very thankful for Domtar’s continued commitment to Hancock County,” said Judge Roberts. “They have been a vital member of our community for many years. This announcement also confirms their confidence in our local workforce and will strengthen our industrial base for future generations.”
Hancock County Industrial Foundation Director Mike Baker highlighted Domtar’s presence in the community.
“The Hancock County Industrial Foundation is excited to see another investment in our local manufacturing sector,” said Baker. “Domtar is a leading corporate citizen of our community, and this investment is another step in their continued growth, success and sustainability. For over 50 years, they have been a leader in our manufacturing community, and this is another validation of the employees and this plant’s commitment to excellence.”
Domtar’s investment and job creation furthers recent economic momentum in the commonwealth, as the state builds back stronger from the effects of the pandemic.