Paper and packaging manufacturer Smurfit Westrock has announced plans to expand its operations in northeast Mississippi.
Smurfit Westrock, a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging materials and Fortune 500 company, is building upon its corrugated functions in Saltillo with a $19.3 million corporate investment. The company’s Saltillo facility produces corrugated packaging items such as standard cases, boxes, and trays suitable for all industry needs, per a release from the Mississippi Development Authority.
“The decision by the Smurfit Westrock team to expand in Saltillo reinforces what so many already know — Mississippi is a manufacturing powerhouse,” Gov. Tate Reeves said. “When products are made in Mississippi, consumers know they are getting top-quality goods made by a workforce that takes pride in craftsmanship. As long as companies like Smurfit Westrock continue to rely on Mississippi to get the job done right, we will continue showing the world what we can do.”
The company is purchasing new equipment that will convert flat container board into foldable boxes. This expansion aims to increase efficiency within the facility, improve production capacity by 50%, and enable the production of larger corrugated boxes.
“Smurfit Westrock is committed to optimizing the performance and value of its manufacturing operations,” Smurfit Westrock North America President and CEO Laurent Sellier said. “The expansion of the Saltillo facility demonstrates our ongoing collaboration with development partners in Mississippi, increases capacity and growth within our system, and supports the communities where we live and work.”
The Mississippi Development Authority is financially assisting this project through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive program. Lee County is aiding as well. Smurfit Westrock expects to complete the expansion by October 2026.
