Gov. Nikki Haley, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Lexington County and the Central SC Alliance announced that Interstate Container will establish a new manufacturing facility in Lexington County. The independent containerboard supplier of kraft linerboard plans to invest more than $13 million and create 60 new jobs, with hiring for operations, logistics and maintenance/electrical team members scheduled to begin this month.
“We are pleased to move forward with plans for our newest facility. Lexington County offered us a great location and has the positive business environment we are looking for. South Carolina also provides our company with exceptional market access as we seek to increase our customer base. We appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials,” said Jim Krahn, head of process and product innovation for Interstate Container.
Expected to be online in September, the Interstate Container plant will be located in the former Smurfit Stone building—currently under renovation to meet their operational needs.
According to Central SC Alliance Chairman Jim Apple, “…the plant will produce a high-tech corrugated paper material utilized in the food packaging sector. The product will be 100 percent green and recyclable utilizing a proprietary wax substitute.” He added, “This is a game changer in the recycling industry and we greatly appreciate their vote of confidence to produce this product in Lexington County.”
“We’re working hard every day to recruit new businesses to South Carolina, in addition to taking care of the businesses we already have, and it’s exciting to see that hard work pay off with Interstate Container’s multi-million dollar, job creating investment in Lexington County,” said Gov. Haley.
