WestRock to Invest $48 Million to Consolidate and Expand Sioux City Box Plants
(USA, Oct. 7, 2016) WestRock on Thursday announced a $48 million expansion of its corrugated box operations in Sioux City, Iowa.
The plans call for WestRock to consolidate its two manufacturing plants on Tri-View Avenue and Bridgeport Drive. All manufacturing would be done at the Bridgeport plant, where an 82,000 square-foot addition would be built.
For the company to remain competitive, new technology will be installed at the combined plant that will automate some job functions, according to documents filed with the city.
“This investment will allow WestRock to modernize our operations in Sioux City,” Chris Augustine, WestRock director of corporate communications, said in a news release issued Thursday by the city and The Siouxland Initiative. “We will be more competitive in the industry and retain as many jobs as possible in the local community once we improve our facility layout and update our equipment.”
As part of the expansion, the plant at 1540 Tri-View Avenue would be converted into a warehouse and distribution center, according to documents filed with the city.
Without the modernization and consolidation project, the company likely would have relocated to another state, city officials said. Mayor Bob Scott said city leaders began talks with WestRock officials last year to ensure the large employer remained here. “They had an opportunity to expand in other areas of the country and we appreciate their decision to invest in Sioux City,” Scott said in a statement.
Read the full story at: http://siouxcityjournal.com/business/local/westrock-to-invest-m-consolidate-two-sioux-city-box-plants/article_7d006224-42bd-5470-b4d6-e7a07cd7a2e3.html (Source: Sioux City Journal)
