Clearwater Paper recently announced a new expansion that will add new jobs and bring $22.5 million in new investments to Cleveland County.
Dubbed "Project Crystal," the expansion is the company's third since locating in Shelby and will involve adding a new facial tissue line.
Both Shelby City Council and county commissioners approved incentives for the company.
On Wednesday, Clearwater leaders gave details on the project to county commissioners, Shelby City Council members, Rep. Kelly Hastings, Cleveland Community College president and economic development and city leaders.
City Manager Rick Howell referenced the 16% unemployment rate at the time Clearwater Paper first made plans to locate in the county.
Clearwater produces bathroom tissue, paper towels, napkins and facial tissue.
Joshua Jacks, operations manager, said the Shelby facial tissue expansion means that they now make all four categories of products in-house. He said there will be an installation of a full-size facial tissue line, and they expect production to begin in 2026.
He said it will be a two-year process to get it installed and started up.
Jacks said the nearly $23 million expansion will add 13 employees starting in 2025.
Once completed, they will be shipping their products to the entire East Coast.
"This is a major expansion for us," said Mike Urlick, senior vice president. "The largest ever since the converting line was installed. It's definitely next generation for us."
He said Shelby was the obvious choice to make the investment.
Urlick said just six months ago, the project was an idea on paper. he said the expansion was approved in June by the company's board.
"We enjoy doing business here. These are big investments, and we intend to lean into them for a long time," he said.
Urlick detailed the history of the company from its first timber mill in 1926 to its operations today.
In 2010, Clearwater located in Shelby and constructed its first site with the second added in 2018 and the newest expansion to be underway in 2025.
The company has 3,800 employees and $2.1 billion in annual sales.
Matt VanVleet, government and community relations, said in 2010 when looking for a site, they started with 300 potential locations and narrowed it down to three states.
"Shelby was special," he said. "We felt from the first visits we were already part of the community and that continued to blossom."
He said they felt like they were needed and they could make a positive impact on the community.
Chris Kelm, plant manager, said the Shelby site has 400 acres and three facilities that employ 600 with two paper machines and 11 converting lines that turn paper into finished products.
Kelm said since 2015, they have invested $454 million in capital in Shelby.
He said this year, they have continued to break production records every month.
In addition to investment and charitable giving, the company employs people at a higher wage than the county average.
There is also a two and a half year apprenticeship program through CCC that trains people to work at Clearwater following graduation.
"Clearwater Paper chose Shelby for its newest facial tissue line due to its proximity to our customers, a growing local skilled workforce, and a history of excellent working relationships with the city of Shelby, Cleveland County and the state of North Carolina," said Urlick. "Our customers require quality products delivered on time. This location coupled with our outstanding Shelby team can make it happen."
Howell said the city looks forward to a continued partnership and watching Clearwater Paper thrive in Shelby.
"We consider expansion projects to be the highest honor in economic development as they highlight our community's pro-business environment and synergistic relationship with our industry partners," he said.Kevin Gordon, board chair of the Cleveland County Commissioners expressed gratitude on behalf of the board for the positive impact the company has made and continues to make on the county.
"The new jobs and capital investment will be a catalyst for growth, and we pledge to be a supportiveand lasting partner to Clearwater Paper," he said.
Clearwater Paper is a supplier of private brand tissue to major retailers, including grocery, club, mass merchants and discount stores. In addition, the company produces paperboard used by printers and packaging converters, and offers services that include custom sheeting, slitting and cutting.
Reach reporter Rebecca Sitzes at rsitzes@gannett.com.
Most Popular
Comments / 0