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Gov. Nikki Haley, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Lexington County and the Central SC Alliance today announced that Interstate Container will establish its new manufacturing facility in Lexington County. The more than $13 million investment is expected to generate 60 new jobs.
“We are pleased to move forward with plans for our newest facility. Lexington County offered us a great location and has the positive business environment we are looking for. South Carolina also provides our company with exceptional market access as we seek to increase our customer base. We appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials,” said Jim Krahn, head of process and product innovation for Interstate Container.
Interstate Container will locate a containerboard manufacturing plant in Lexington County to produce specialty boxes used in shipping food products. The containers are considered “green” packaging and much easier to recycle than traditional boxes. The company expects to have the facility online in September.
“We’re working hard every day to recruit new businesses to South Carolina, in addition to taking care of the businesses we already have, and it’s exciting to see that hard work pay off with Interstate Container’s multi-million dollar, job creating investment in Lexington County,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
“The decision by Interstate Container to locate its new facility in Lexington County not only speaks to our state’s business-friendly and talented workforce, but also its exceptional access to markets. South Carolina provides companies with a strategic location to reach markets all along the East Coast as well as throughout the Southeast,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.
The company will locate its new operations in the former Smurfit Stone building. Interstate Container is in the process of renovating the building to suit its operational needs.
“Lexington County’s commitment to the environment is evidenced by its support of Interstate Container, a 100 percent green, recyclable corrugated box manufacturer. We are pleased that Interstate Resource’s investment will result in the adaptive reuse of an existing manufacturing facility, creating both tax base for the county and jobs for the citizens of the area,” said Lexington County Council Chairman Jim Kinard.
Central SC Alliance Chairman Jim Apple said, “Interstate Container will produce a high-tech corrugated paper material utilized in the food packaging sector. The product will be a 100 percent green and recyclable utilizing a proprietary wax substitute. This is a game changer in the recycling industry and we greatly appreciate their vote of confidence to produce this product in Lexington County. The company is making a significant investment and will generate jobs for citizens across the region.”
Interstate Container will begin hiring for operations team members, logistics team members and maintenance/electrical team members this month. Interested candidates should visit www.sctechjobs.com.
Interstate Container is an independent containerboard supplier of kraft linerboard and corrugating recycled medium to the open market. The company’s converting operations specialize in corrugated carton packaging and displays, corrugated and specialty sheets, and waxed and wax alternative corrugated packaging. For more information about Interstate Container, please visit www.interstatecontainer.com.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
The S.C. Department of Commerce works closely with economic development professionals throughout the state to recruit new jobs and investments and help existing businesses grow. In 2010, Commerce recruited a record 20,453 new jobs and $4.1 billion in capital investment. Commerce won the Gold Shovel Award and the Deal of Year Award in 2011 from Area Development magazine. Trade & Industry Development magazine selected two projects recruited by Commerce and its allies in 2010 for the magazine’s annual Corporate Investment & Community Impact Awards. Commerce’s efforts have resulted in the successful recruitment of numerous world-class companies such as Boeing, Monster.com, Heinz, ZF Group, BMW and Google Inc. In addition to job and investment recruitment, the agency provides a range of business support services and offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
