Westrock, a provider of sustainable paper and packaging solutions, has revealed its plans to construct a new corrugated box plant in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, US.

To be built with an investment of approximately $140m, the new facility aims to address the increasing demand from customers in the Great Lakes region. 

The new plant is expected to bolster WestRock's production capabilities in the region.  

According to WestRock, the Wisconsin facility will support reduced manufacturing costs and waste, thereby enhancing the company’s overall manufacturing cost profile.  

The plant is designed to enhance sustainability through lower energy consumption and the integration of new technology.  

Equipped with advanced automation, it will also focus on improving quality and customer satisfaction while enhancing digital capabilities by offering real-time data to optimise decision-making and minimise unplanned downtime. 

The new plant will cater to a variety of key end markets in the Great Lakes region, including retail, industrial, processed food, and protein businesses.  

Construction is set to commence in 2024, with plans for completion in 2025. 

Upon completion, the company will close its North Chicago plant.  

WestRock CEO David B Sewell said: “Investing in a new state-of-the-art corrugated converting facility elevates our production capabilities and better supports our end market strategy and margin improvement targets.  

“We are pleased to expand our presence in an area of critical demand like the Great Lakes and are confident that by implementing production initiatives such as these, we will continue to solidify WestRock’s position as the supplier of choice.” 

In November last year, WestRock entered into two virtual power purchase agreements with ENGIE North America.