WestRock announces closure of paper mill in South Carolina

WestRock announces closure of paper mill in South Carolina

Supplier News

WestRock Company has made the decision to permanently close its paper mill located in North Charleston, South Carolina, on August 31, 2023.

The mill produces containerboard, uncoated kraft paper (KraftPak®), and unbleached saturating kraft paper (DuraSorb®), with a combined annual capacity of 550,000 tons.

The company plans to shift production of containerboard and uncoated kraft to other WestRock facilities, but will exit the unbleached saturating kraft paper business after the mill shutdown is completed.

The move is part of WestRock's commitment to enhancing its return on invested capital and optimising its assets. The high operating costs and significant capital investment required to maintain operations at the mill were the primary factors in the decision to cease operations.

West Rock HQ overlooking the canal and Browns Island credit Will Fisher
West Rock HQ overlooking the canal and Browns Island © Will Fisher (CC BY-SA 2.0)
WestRock and its predecessor companies have had a long history in the region operating the North Charleston mill, and the contributions of the team members over the years have been greatly appreciated, said David B. Sewell, chief executive officer at WestRock. The decision to close a facility and impact the lives of our team members is never easy, and we are committed to assisting our North Charleston team with exploring roles at other WestRock locations and outplacement assistance.

Approximately 500 employees currently work at the North Charleston mill. WestRock will provide severance packages and outplacement assistance to employees in accordance with its policy and labor union agreements.

Latest Packaging News

Discover the future of innovation and design at Paris Packaging Week 2025
Events

Discover the future of innovation and design at Paris Packaging Week 2025

Are you ready to be part of the biggest packaging event of the year? Upgrade your brand strategy...
UK Autumn Budget 2024: What it means for packaging
Business

UK Autumn Budget 2024: What it means for packaging

The UK’s Autumn Budget of October 2024 introduced several policies that could impact the packaging...
Nourish the body, protect our oceans: Siip opts for a responsible solution from Spectra
Supplier News

Nourish the body, protect our oceans: Siip opts for a responsible solution from Spectra

Spectra Packaging recently produced new packs for Siip's innovative new Hydrate Liquid Electrolytes...
Delkor automation brings big benefits to employees and bottom line
Supplier News

Delkor automation brings big benefits to employees and bottom line

When Kenny's Candy & Confections first connected with Delkor, the company had little to no...
Carlton Packaging debuts at PACK EXPO – Bringing 30 years of innovation and expertise to the U.S. market
Supplier News

Carlton Packaging debuts at PACK EXPO – Bringing 30 years of innovation and expertise to the U.S. market

Carlton Packaging is set to make a splash at Pack Expo Chicago, where they will be showcasing their...