Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that Stonewall Packaging LLC, a joint project of Jackson Paper Manufacturing Co., is building a new plant in Sylva to produce recycled cardboard packaging. The company plans to invest more than $16 million to renovate and modify a vacant mill, creating 61 jobs in Jackson County. The announcement was made possible in part by a $200,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
“As global markets evolve, North Carolina’s manufacturing sector is keeping pace to take advantage of new opportunities,” Gov. Perdue said. “Companies like this one are investing in green-friendly products while continuing to enjoy our state’s top-rated business climate, skilled workforce and unparalleled quality of life.”
The 61 new jobs will pay an average of $39,344, not including benefits, which is more than the Jackson County average annual wage of $27,820. The company will begin hiring this summer.
Stonewall Packaging is a joint venture of Jackson Paper Manufacturing Co. of Sylva, which currently employs 119 workers at its mill which produces recycled corrugated cardboard used by independent box manufacturers to make the fluted layer of cardboard boxes.
“We chose to build the plant in Sylva because of the infrastructure that is already in place at Jackson Paper and because of the highly skilled workforce in Jackson County,” said Timothy L. Campbell, president and CEO of Stonewall and Jackson Paper Manufacturing Co. “We are grateful for the support of the Town of Sylva, Jackson County government and the state of North Carolina in this new venture, and we look forward to continued growth in the future.”
The One North Carolina Fund provides financial assistance through local governments to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. All of these grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.
“During these tough economic times, it’s critical to continue to make investments that will grow jobs in our state,” said state Sen. John Snow (D-Cherokee).
“We must continue to build on our successful partnerships so that North Carolina will be well positioned when the nation’s economy turns around,” said state Rep. Phil Haire (D-Jackson).
Through use of the One North Carolina Fund, more than 35,000 jobs and $6.5 billion in investment have been created since 2001. Project partners include: the state Department of Commerce, the Department of Revenue, Department of Transportation, N.C. Community Colleges, Southwestern Community College, Jackson County, the Town of Sylva, the N.C. Rural Center and Duke Energy.
For more information about Jackson Paper, including employment opportunities, go to: www.jacksonpaper-nc.com.