Paper Packager to Bring 200 New Jobs

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

A paper packaging firm announced today plans to open a new facility in Anderson, bringing 200 new jobs and a $68 million investment to the county.

Smurfit Kappa is expanding its U.S. footprint by establishing the company’s first South Carolina operation. The Irish firm currently operates at 350 sites in 36 countries, with 46,000 employees worldwide, and specializes in cardboard packaging manufacturing, producing 11 billion square meters of such products a year. The company is also active in the paper-making and recycling sectors.

“This is another great addition to Anderson County as we work to diversify our economy,” said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns.  

Anderson County Council is expected to give final approval to tax incentives for the company at its meeting Tuesday. 

“We are pleased to welcome Smurfit Kappa to Anderson County,” said County Council Vice Chairman Brett Sanders. “We are excited to see the impact that this new company will bring to our area."

The company expects to acquire a new 259,000-square-foot facility located at 1105 Scotts Bridge Road in Anderson, off S.C. 81 North near I-85. The building, an industrial spec building, is another example of the benefits if private investment is benefiting the county.

“Anderson County primed the pump for industrial spec properties and the private sector took over,” said Burns. The last county purchased land for such a purpose was purchased shortly afterward by Arthrex, which now operates from that location in Sandy Springs.