WestRock Co., Norcross, Ga., USA, a provider of differentiated paper and packaging solutions, has announced a planned investment in its Florence, S.C., kraft linerboard mill that will significantly increase the mill's efficiency, quality, and service levels.

The $410 million investment over two years will include installing a 330 in., 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. 

"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," said Steve Voorhees, CEO of WestRock. "The support of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership and the South Carolina 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."

Henry McMaster, governor of South Carolina, noted that "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."

  

Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt added that "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 its continued success in the Palmetto State." 

Florence County Council Chairman Kent Caudle said that "WestRock supports hundreds of jobs in Florence County and remains one of our top employers. We are very pleased that this industry will continue to be an important part of Florence County's economy."

 

According to Florence County Economic Development Partnership Chairman Frank J. "Buddy" Brand, "Florence County is excited about WestRock and its investment in our area—one of the largest in recent history. This is a significant development for the people of Florence County." 

South Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Hugh K. Leatherman pointed out that "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."

  

The new linerboard machine will be housed in a building adjacent to the existing complex, and the company expects production on the new linerboard machine and the shutdown of the three existing machines to occur in the first half of calendar 2020.

WestRock partners with its 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. More information is available online.