Sylvamo Investment to Modernize SC Plants

Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Sylvamo is one of the top paper makers with several manufacturing plants in North America, Europe, and Latin America. Most plants have their main facilities at the Eastover mill and the Sumter sheeting plant in South Carolina. The company produces different types of paper: kraft paper, writing and printing paper, and packaging kraft or board, among others. Sylvamo plans to spend about $145 million modernizing South Carolina facilities. The main aims of the investment will be improving productivity and reducing costs in the Eastover and Sumter sheeting plants. The sum of $100 million will focus on modernizing one of the Eastover mill paper machines by 2026; an increase of 60,000 tons in uncoated freesheet paper is expected at that location. With this, the remaining $45 million would be directed toward establishing a new sheeter in the Sumter mill, boosting customer relations and cutting costs. Some industry figures suggest that Sylvamo produces millions of tons of paper yearly; specific figures vary depending on the product and area. Other illustrations of Sylvamo's efforts to improve productivity include outsourcing of the Eastover woodyard, an outsourced operation by a 20-year partnership. This partnership will reportedly cut capital investment by about $75 million over the next five years. Such investments underscore Sylvamo's resolve to maintain a competitive position in the paper industry.