On The Move
Georgia-Pacific to begin operating mill in Clarendon County
Sep 18, 2012
Investment expected to create more than 100 new jobs
COLUMBIA, SC - September 18, 2012 - Georgia-Pacific announced that it plans to begin a ramp up of production at its oriented strand board (OSB) facility in Clarendon County, S.C., during the first quarter of 2013. The mill was part of the acquisition in May 2010 from Grant Forest Products that also included an operating plant in Allendale County, S.C., and another operating plant in Englehart, Ontario. The acquisition totaled approximately $400 million. Georgia-Pacific spent an additional $30 million to complete construction on the Clarendon facility in 2011.
“Given our customers’ increased need for OSB, we believe the time is right to begin the ramp up of production at the Clarendon mill,” said Mark Luetters, president of Georgia-Pacific wood products. “This facility has world-class capabilities and will ensure our ability to grow with Georgia-Pacific’s customers as the housing market continues its slow recovery. We’re looking forward to getting this plant running, and to working with the people in the Clarendon County area.”
Once the Clarendon mill is operational, both Clarendon and Allendale (which also employs about 120 people) will supply customers across the eastern United States with the versatile building material used in residential construction.
“The Clarendon mill fits strategically with our OSB facilities running in Brookneal, Va., Fordyce, Ark., Hosford, Fla., Allendale, S.C., and Englehart, Ontario,” said Clarence Young, vice president of structural panels sales and marketing for the company. “It will give Georgia-Pacific the ability to provide enhanced service and value to existing and potential customers.”
“Today’s announcement is another big win for one of our state’s rural areas. We celebrate Georgia-Pacific’s decision to invest in the Palmetto State and create more than 100 new jobs in Clarendon County. By strengthening our state’s business-friendly climate, we can expect to see more announcements like this one,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Georgia-Pacific OSB products include BlueRibbon® rated sheathing and sub-floor, Thermostat® OSB radiant barrier sheathing, and DryGuard® enhanced OSB sub-floor, plus larger panels used in specialty applications.
“Today’s announcement by Georgia-Pacific is another indication that our state’s manufacturing sector remains strong. We know how to make things in South Carolina, and manufacturing continues to be a key wealth-creating part of our economy,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
Applications for more than 100 permanent positions, including management, craft and production roles at the facility, will be accepted through the company’s website at www.gp.com/careers and through One Stop Workforce at www.slworkforcedev.org beginning this week.
In South Carolina, Georgia-Pacific and other Koch companies employ nearly 2,000 people directly and support more than 8,000 jobs. Total compensation and benefits in South Carolina is approximately $140 million annually.
Headquartered at Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of building products, tissue, packaging, paper, cellulose and related chemicals. The company employs nearly 35,000 people worldwide. For more information visit www.gp.com.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing businesses grow. Commerce won the Gold Shovel Award and the Project of Year Award from Area Development magazine in 2012. Commerce has been part of recruiting world-class companies to South Carolina such as Boeing, Bridgestone, Continental, Monster.com, Heinz, ZF Group, BMW and Google Inc. Commerce also supports small and existing business, rural development initiatives and offers grants for community development. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
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