KapStone Paper and Packaging Corp., Northbrook, Ill., USA, a producer of unbleached kraft paper and packaging products, is investing $6 million in new equipment at its Cowpens, S.C. (Cherokee County), facility.

Formed in 2005, KapStone’s mills produce a wide spectrum of kraft and recycled products. The mills’ product portfolio includes Kraftpak®, DuraSorb®, TEA-Kraft®, and FibreShield®, as well as extensible kraft paper grades and high-performance, lightweight linerboard. Employing approximately 6,000 workers, KapStone also provides industrial and retail corrugated packaging solutions for a variety of customers.

Opened in 1992, KapStone’s Cowpens facility includes a state-of-the-art paper mill that produces recycled linerboard and medium. This investment will allow the company to install a new hydraulic dilution control headbox, as well as a new bottom-ply chain conveyor, increasing the speed, efficiency, and quality of its products.

"KapStone team members are proud to contribute to the success of our customers and communities. Investing in our industry-leading recycled paper mill in Cowpens demonstrates our continued commitment to Cherokee County. Working together with our state and local partners, we are excited about the future of our business and the benefits it can provide for all of our stakeholders," said Steven Leahy, VP of mill operations at the Cowpens mill.

"We are proud to celebrate KapStone Paper and Packaging’s latest investment in South Carolina and our people. Anytime a company is able to grow and expand its operations, especially in one of our rural counties, it proves what we already know – that we have one of the most competitive business environments in the world," noted South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster.

More information on KapStone Paper and Packaging Corp. is available online.