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Columbia, South Carolina - International Paper�s recent announcement of a planned modernization of its
Eastover mill�s number one paper machine is key to the company�s strategic goal of being a global competitor in the paper industry while strengthening its core businesses of paper, packaging and forest products.The company plans to invest approximately $125 million to upgrade the facility. �The announcement to invest to modernize our machine is a vote of confidence by the company in our ability to take our machine's operating efficiency and paper quality to the next level,� stated Dave Fary, Eastover mill manager. This is a proud occasion for all of our employees. We are excited to have the opportunity to sustain our mill as a viable operation for years to come.� �Competition for the company�s investment capital was fierce, and the mill worked closely with members of the Central SC Alliance, the Richland County Economic Development Committee and Richland County Council, and the State Department of Commerce,� Fary said. �We sincerely appreciate the support of the community and especially the governmental representatives who assisted us. It is folks like these representatives who create a favorable business climate for continued economic growth. We hope to show our appreciation for their support by sustaining our success in creating development opportunities in the future.�
�International Paper is a great example of a company that is keeping itself on the cutting edge of the paper industry to ensure its future competitiveness and success, and we�re thrilled that they�re increasing their investment in South Carolina,� said Commerce Secretary Bob Faith. Central SC Alliance Chairman George J. Bullwinkel, Jr. said, "International Paper has a proven track record in Richland County. Over the years, the company has realized that our regional workforce is both highly skilled and efficient and this certainly had an impact on this significant financial decision." Richland County Council Chairwoman Bernice Scott said, "We are proud to be able to keep this kind of investment in Richland County. " The Eastover mill represents a $1.5 billion investment in Richland County and has been in operation since 1984 with over 700 International Paper employees and an additional 150 contract employees on the site. The mill produces over 1850 tons per day of paper for use in copiers, envelopes, forms bond, tablets and 300 tons per day of market pulp. International Paper has over 25 facilities with about 2,500 employees in South Carolina, with etes wages paid in excess of $171.37 million. (Images courtesy of International Paper)
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�Any time you have a company like International Paper make an investment of this size, it has an extremely positive effect on the community,� Governor Mark Sanford said.