WestRock Company has announced plans to construct a new corrugated box plant in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, to meet the increasing demand from customers in the Great Lakes region. The new facility will replace the existing plant in North Chicago upon completion.
This investment aims to enhance WestRock’s production capabilities and improve its cost efficiency in the Great Lakes region. The construction is projected to cost around $140 million, with partial offset from property sales.
“By investing in a new, state-of-the-art corrugated converting facility, we are elevating our production capabilities and better supporting our market strategy and margin improvement goals,” said David B. Sewell, chief executive officer of WestRock. “We are excited to expand our presence in the high-demand Great Lakes area and are confident that these production initiatives will strengthen WestRock’s position as the preferred supplier.”
The new facility is expected to:
- Reduce manufacturing costs and waste, enhancing WestRock’s overall cost efficiency;
- Improve sustainability through lower energy consumption and advanced technology;
- Enhance quality and customer satisfaction with state-of-the-art automation;
- Boost digital capabilities and provide real-time data for better decision-making and reduced unplanned downtime; and
- Serve key markets in the Great Lakes region, including retail, distribution, processed food, industrial, and protein sectors.
Construction is slated to begin in 2024 and is expected to be completed by 2025.
