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282 Thorpe St, Summerville, SC 29483
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Commercial Electrician in North Charleston, SC

If you own a business, you should already know that at some point, you will need to hire an electrician in North Charleston to fix electrical issues and maintain your property's wiring systems. Unfortunately, many people forego certified, experienced electricians to save money. The reality is, trying to fix an electrical issue in your business is no small task and often costs more money than hiring a professional. Working with electricity can be dangerous to your property and, more importantly, your health.

It might seem like a good idea to try a DIY approach or call your "do it all" local handyman, but going pro will save you time and money when it comes to serious projects like thermal imaging and three-phase panel installations. Think about it: why spend money buying expensive supplies and countless hours watching electrical repair videos when there's a good chance you'll need professional help in the end? Many DIY electricians have good intentions but often end up damaging electrical systems worse than before.

At Engineered Electrical Solutions, we get the job done right the first time, so you can focus on enjoying running your business while we fix your electrical problem. We bring the same level of quality and reliability to every job we perform, whether it's a routine safety inspection or an entire commercial rewiring project. Unlike some electricians in South Carolina, we go above and beyond to ensure our customers are safe and satisfied with our work. We pride ourselves on keeping customers informed throughout their electrical job and follow up on our projects to make sure our fixes stick.

Service Areas

At the end of the day, excellent customer care is what we strive to achieve. We do so by providing the highest quality commercial services at affordable prices, all year long. Here are just a few reasons why Lowcountry residents trust Engineered Electrical Solutions:

  • We Have Decades of Electrical Repair Experience
  • We Offer Customer-Centric Electrical Services
  • We Treat Your Property Like Our Own
  • Our Electricians Provide Quality, Efficient Work
  • We Are Licensed, Bonded, and Insured Electricians in South Carolina
  • Commercial Electrician Services
  • Industrial Electrician Services

If you're looking for the very best electrician in South Carolina, put down the pen and paper and look no further than Engineered Electrical Solutions. Keep reading to learn more about some of our most popular services.

Commercial Electrical North Charleston, SC

Your Trustworthy Commercial Electrician in North Charleston

Having a reliable electrician on hand that you can trust with electrical repairs is of utmost importance when you own a business in South Carolina. For years, Engineered Electrical Solutions has provided business owners with the most effective electrical repair and installation services in the Lowcountry. Our team is adept at assisting businesses of all sizes, from small "mom and pop" shops to industrial plants and everything in between.

 Electrical Repair North Charleston, SC

We offer a wide range of electrical services, from electrical panel installation and business rewiring to transformer installation and thermal imaging. Modern businesses count on energy-efficient electricity to help run their day-to-day operations. If you need your electrical systems to run smoothly so you can stay focused on building your business, count on Engineered Electrical Solutions to be there when you need us the most.

A few of our most popular commercial and industrial electrical services include but are not limited to:

  • Parking Lot Light Installation
  • Transformer Installation
  • Electrical Safety Inspections
  • Circuit Testing for Businesses
  • Electrical Grounding for Businesses
  • Preventative Maintenance for Electrical Equipment
  • Generator and Motor Insulation Resistance Analysis
  • Electrical Wiring for New Businesses
  • Electrical Troubleshooting for Businesses
  • Electrical Service Upgrades
  • Ongoing Maintenance Plans for Vital Electrical Equipment

Why is Hiring a Commercial Electrician in North Charleston, SC, a Good Idea?

As a business owner, you know first-hand that closing your doors costs money, time, and possibly your clients. That's why, when you have an electrical issue that must be remedied, you need quick, cost-efficient help so you can keep running your business. But trusting the job of a trained electrician in the hands of an amateur can be a big mistake.

Sure, your uncle may know how to flip a few switches on the breaker in your home, but serving a commercial business is an entirely different animal. In fact, trusting your company's electrical needs to just anyone can end up costing you more in the long run. Here are just a few of the most important reasons to consider hiring an experienced commercial electrical contractor.

 Electrical Panel Installation North Charleston, SC

Adherence to South Carolina Electrical Codes

Did you know there is a litany of regulations and codes you must follow when servicing electrical components in a commercial setting? From remodels to maintenance, a knowledgeable electrician will know these codes in and out. If they don't, they've got the reference material and support to ensure their work is up to standard. Taking the time to hire a commercial electrical company with vetted technicians means you don't have to worry about legal fines and reprimands for not adhering to regulations associated with common services like commercial lighting installations and upgrades.

 Electrical Safety Inspection North Charleston, SC

Specialized Skills and Advanced Training

In general, a commercial electrical contractor in North Charleston, SC, must undergo extensive training and pass more tests in order to practice their trade in South Carolina. Like their counterparts in the residential electrical business, they must both pass exams and complete apprenticeships. But commercial electricians have more in-depth training. They must also prove their knowledge of the National Electrical Code, or NEC, which encompasses safety procedures and building codes in the U.S. The advanced training that commercial electricians complete sets the foundation for services such as:

 Electrical Safety Upgrades North Charleston, SC
  • Commercial Electrical Panel Maintenance and Replacement
  • Emergency Electrical Services for Businesses, Warehouses, Facilities, Etc.
  • Commercial Wiring and Electrical Component Installation
  • Commercial Retrofits
  • Commercial Renovations, Remodels, and Electrical for New Construction
  • Much More

When you break it down to the basics, commercial electricians in the Lowcountry require more experience because of factors like safety, complexity, and reliability. It's not unusual for a contractor to complete over 4,000 hours of on-the-job experience, to learn about complicated topics like voltage and phase balancing, control systems, and phase diagrams.

Avoid Electrical Hazards

If you're like most people, you hire professionals like corporate lawyers, helicopter pilots, and commercial electricians to handle the things you don't have the skills to do yourself. Because, if we're being honest, many services provided by commercial electrical contractors are dangerous and even downright deadly. While you can find "How-To" articles that insist that this type of work is simple, taking on an electrical project for your business can have catastrophic consequences - both for your business and for the family you're supporting.

Hiring a commercial electrician for your business safeguards you, your employees, and your business. That's because they're trained to spot commercial electrical hazards and have the tools to fix the problem correctly and according to South Carolina regulations.

 Electrical Service Upgrades North Charleston, SC
 Electrician For My Business North Charleston, SC

Minimize Cost

Some business owners make it a point to hire non-professionals to handle their electrical work, thinking they'll save money in the long run. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Cutting corners and hiring unlicensed friends or family members creates hazards that will set your company back much more than it would to hire a qualified commercial electrician. Mistakes are costly and often end up with you having to close your business while they're corrected. This downtime will affect your ability to do business and may even affect your brand loyalty and customer base.

5 Tips for Lowering Your Commercial Energy Costs

Energy mismanagement - it's one of the most common ways that businesses lose unnecessary money every year. Though every business in South Carolina will eventually face some sort of energy waste, that doesn't mean you have to settle for expenses you can prevent. At Engineered Electrical Solutions, we're all about supporting our fellow business owners. To help you reduce electrical costs, follow these five tips.

light
01

Upgrade Your Lights

In terms of low-cost solutions, this one is among the best. If you've been using incandescent bulbs throughout your business, try installing compact fluorescents instead. They can last 9x longer and save you money over time. While you're at it, remove any incandescent lights powering exit signs in your building. Replace them with LED alternatives.

Lighting Control
02

Efficient Lighting Control Plans

Did you grow up in a household where your mom or dad constantly reminded you to turn off the lights when you're done in a room? That same basic principle holds true here. If lights are left on unnecessarily, be sure they're turned off before closing for the day. If you find that doesn't help, you may need to develop a shift-based system to turn off lights. Our team of commercial electricians for your business in cityname, state, have the expertise to help you establish a system to lower energy waste without affecting your company's productivity.

HVAC Maintenance
03

Perform HVAC Maintenance

According to the Small Business Administration, HVAC use accounts for nearly 40% of energy use in commercial buildings. It's clear, then, that poor-performing HVAC systems can rack up monthly energy costs quickly. To prevent this from getting out of control, make sure your AC and heating units are well-maintained and free of expensive issues. You may want to also consider installing programmable thermostats, which can automatically control the temperature settings on your property to help maximize your energy savings.

Insulate
04

Insulate

The EPA states that keeping your commercial building properly insulated can save you as much as 10% on your energy bill. Don't settle for obvious areas like walls and windows. Be sure your electrical outlets, pipes, and HVAC ducts are properly insulated too.

Energy Management
05

Consider an Energy Management System

At Engineered Electrical Solutions, we can provide you with an energy audit for your business that pinpoints areas of energy waste and how those areas can be improved. Having an electrical assessment is a great idea for any business owner, especially if you have a storefront where customers come and go because it can help lower your overall operational costs.

Common Commercial Electrical Issues

Commercial and industrial-sized buildings are large and complex by the nature of their construction. By proxy, commercial buildings have complicated wiring and electrical systems. Electrical work in the commercial market is best left to experienced, licensed professionals. If you're looking for the very best commercial electricians in Metro North Charleston, Engineered Electrical Solutions is here to serve you.

We have completed hundreds of commercial electrician projects for companies like Blue Oyster Restaurant, Shell Gas Stations, Flex Warehouses, Dentist Offices, and many more. With the most up-to-date equipment and years of professional experience, our team is ready to tackle your electrical problem, no matter how large.

 Safety Inspection North Charleston, SC

Here are just a few of the common electrical issues that we solve for Lowcountry business owners:

Commercial Electrical North Charleston, SC

Tripped Circuit Breakers

Your businesses' electrical system will trip when it has too much electricity running through it. These problems are very common in commercial properties and usually stem from one of three culprits: circuit overloads, short circuits, and ground fault surges. Obviously, when your circuits are tripped regularly, your business operations suffer. To help solve your circuit breaker problems, our commercial electricians will come to your location for in-depth troubleshooting. Once we discover the root cause, we'll get to work on repairing your circuit breaker, so you can continue working and serving your customers.

 Electrical Repair North Charleston, SC

Flickering Lights

Like tripped circuit breakers, dimming or flickering lights are among the most common commercial electrical problems in South Carolina. These issues typically stem from poor electrical connections. These poor connections will usually cause sparks, which can start fires and wreak havoc on your commercial building. While dimming lights might seem minor, if you leave this problem to fester, you could be looking at permanent damage to your businesses' electrical systems. Given the danger involved in fixing this problem, it's important that you work with a licensed business electrician like Engineered Electrical Solutions as soon as you're able to.

 Electrical Panel Installation North Charleston, SC

Dead Power Outlets

Dead power outlets aren't always dangerous, unlike other recurring commercial electrical issues. They are, however, disruptive to your company's productivity. Dead outlets are common in older commercial buildings and are often caused by circuit overloads. Connecting multiple high-wattage devices and appliances to the same power socket can cause overheating. When the power outlet overheats, it can lead to tripped circuit breakers. In some cases, the live wire catches fire and burns until it is disconnected. For a reliable solution using high-quality switches, sockets, and circuit breakers, it's best to hire a professional business electrician to get the job done right.

Residential Electrician vs. Commercial Electrician in North Charleston: What's the Difference?

Finding a real-deal, qualified commercial electrician in South Carolina is harder than you might think. Whether it's due to availability or budget, you might be tempted to hire a residential electrician for your commercial electrical problem. While it's true that great residential electricians can help solve commercial issues in theory, it's always best to hire a business electrician with professional experience.

Unlike their residential colleagues, commercial electricians are licensed to deal with different materials and procedures suited specifically for businesses. Commercial wiring is much more complex than other wiring and is strategically installed with maintenance, repair, and changes in mind. Additionally, commercial properties usually use a three-phase power supply, necessitating more schooling, skills, and technical ability to service.

The bottom line? If you're a business owner with commercial electricity problems, it's best to work with a licensed commercial electrician, like you will find at Engineered Electrical Solutions.

Professional and Efficient from Call to Technician

Engineered Electrical Solutions has built its reputation on a simple formula: give our customers the highest-quality commercial electrical services, the most helpful customer service, and the best prices available in town.

As a veteran-owned and operated business, we take pride in good old-fashioned hard work and dedication to our craft. No upselling. No misleading fine print. Only quality electrical work and reliable commercial electricians in North Charleston, SC.

We want to be sure every one of our customers is satisfied, which is why we offer a three-year guaranteed on our labor. If you're in need of a commercial electrician for your business or organization, give our office a call and discover the Engineered Electrical Solutions difference.

phone-number843-735-2275

Free Estimate

Latest News in North Charleston, SC

North Charleston to host Dixie Majors World Series

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The city of North Charleston will host the 2023 Dixie Majors World Series at Collins Park starting on Friday it was announced on Monday afternoon.“This is a great opportunity for our community to rally behind our local team,” Mayor Keith Summey said in a statement. “I invite all residents and visitors to join us at Collins Park and experience the exhilaration of high-level baseball. We have worked hard to ensure a top-notch venue and an unforgettable experience for players and spectato...

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The city of North Charleston will host the 2023 Dixie Majors World Series at Collins Park starting on Friday it was announced on Monday afternoon.

“This is a great opportunity for our community to rally behind our local team,” Mayor Keith Summey said in a statement. “I invite all residents and visitors to join us at Collins Park and experience the exhilaration of high-level baseball. We have worked hard to ensure a top-notch venue and an unforgettable experience for players and spectators alike. We look forward to hosting a memorable week of baseball.”

Teams from 11 teams across the south, including the squad from North Charleston, will be participating in the event. North Charleston has won the Dixie Majors World Series each of the last 2 years.

The North Charleston team will kick off the World Series on Friday at 5pm against the team from Halifax County, Virginia.

The tournament will run through July 26th.

Games Scheduled Opening Night - Friday July 21, 2023

Game #1 - North Charleston, SC (Host) vs. Halifax County, VA 5:00 PM - Field #1

Game #2 - Laurel-JC, Mississippi vs. Flyer Baseball, TN 7:30 PM - Field #1

Games Scheduled - Saturday July 22, 2023

Game #3 - West Georgia Moved to Game #8 BYE

Game #4 - Westminster, SC vs. Hernando County, FL 11:30 AM - Field #2 (CSU)

Game #5 - Southland, LA vs. Columbia County, GA 9:00 AM - Field #1

Game #6 - South Fulton, TN vs. Marshall, Texas 11:30 AM - Field #1

Game #7 - Winner Game #1 vs. Winner Game #2 3:00 PM - Field #1

Game #8 - West Georgia vs. Winner Game #4 4:00 PM - Field #2 (CSU)

Game #9 - Winner Game #5 vs. Winner Game #6 6:00 PM - Field #1

Games Scheduled - Sunday July 23, 2023

Game #10 - Loser Game #1 vs. Loser Game #2 9:00 AM - Field #1

Game #11 - Loser Game #4 moves to Game #14 BYE

Game #12 - Loser Game #5 vs. Loser Game #6 11:30 AM - Field #2 (CSU)

Game #13 - Loser Game #8 vs. Loser Game #7 11:30 AM - Field #1

Game #14 - Winner Game #11 vs. Winner Game #12 2:30 PM - Field #2 (CSU)

Game #15 - Loser Game #9 vs. Winner Game #10 2:30 PM - Field #1

Game #16 - Winner Game #9 vs. Winner Game #8 5:30 PM - Field #1

Games Scheduled - Monday July 24, 2023

Game #17 - Winner Game #14 vs. Winner Game #13 10:00 AM - Field #1

Game #18 - Loser Game #16 vs. Winner Game #15 1:00 PM - Field #1

Game #19 - Winner Game #16 vs. Winner Game #7 6:00 PM - Field #1

Games Scheduled - Tuesday July 25, 2023

Game #20 - Winner Game #17 vs. Loser Game #19 10:00 AM - Field #1

Game #21 - Winner Game #19 vs. Winner Game #18 1:00 PM - Field #1

Game #22 - Winner Game #21 vs. Winner Game #20 6:00 PM - Field #1

If Necessary Game - Wednesday July 26, 2023

Game #23 - TBD (if necessary game) 10:00 AM ( Field #1)

*Note - Field #1 - Kenny Wilkinson Baseball Complex at Collins Park

Field #2 - Charleston Southern University

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

WestRock to Close Paper Mill in North Charleston, South Carolina

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WestRock Company (NYSE: WRK) today announced it will permanently cease operating its paper mill in North Charleston, South Carolina, on August 31, 2023.“WestRock and its predecessor companies have had a long history in the region operating the North Charleston mill, and the contributions of the team members over the years have been greatly appreciated,” said David B. Sewell, chief executive officer at WestRock. “The ...

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WestRock Company (NYSE: WRK) today announced it will permanently cease operating its paper mill in North Charleston, South Carolina, on August 31, 2023.

“WestRock and its predecessor companies have had a long history in the region operating the North Charleston mill, and the contributions of the team members over the years have been greatly appreciated,” said David B. Sewell, chief executive officer at WestRock. “The decision to close a facility and impact the lives of our team members is never easy, and we are committed to assisting our North Charleston team with exploring roles at other WestRock locations and outplacement assistance.”

The North Charleston mill produces containerboard, uncoated kraft paper (KraftPak®), and unbleached saturating kraft paper (DuraSorb®), with a combined annual capacity of 550,000 tons. Containerboard and uncoated kraft currently produced at the mill will be manufactured at other WestRock facilities. The Company intends to exit the unbleached saturating kraft paper business when the mill shutdown is completed.

WestRock is committed to improving its return on invested capital as well as maximizing the performance of its assets. The combination of high operating costs and the need for significant capital investment were the determining factors in the decision to cease operations at the mill.

The North Charleston mill employs approximately 500 people. Employees will receive severance and outplacement assistance in accordance with WestRock policy and labor union agreements.

About WestRock

WestRock (NYSE: WRK) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions, with more than 58,000 teammates in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Our integrated packaging capabilities offer end-to-end solutions to help customers address their greatest challenges.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, beliefs, plans or forecasts and are typically identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “target,” “prospects,” “potential” and “forecast,” and other words, terms and phrases of similar meaning. Forward looking statements involve estimates, expectations, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions, risks and uncertainties. We caution readers that forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements. Our businesses are subject to a number of general risks that could affect any such forward-looking statements. These risks are described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in Item 1A under the caption “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2022.

Contacts

Media:

Senior Manager, Corporate Communications robby.b.johnson@westrock.com

Investors: Rob Quartaro, 470-328-6979 Senior Vice President, Investor Relations robert.quartaro@westrock.com

Smurfit Kappa and Westrock merger deal would create the largest containerboard producer in the world

Smurfit Westrock, the proposed new combined company, would create a $34 billion company with 23 million tons of mill capacitySmurfit Kappa Group CEO Tony Smurfit told Fastmarkets’ PPI Pulp & Paper Week that the combination of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock is a promising and complementary deal.The two companies signed a definitive agreement to combine in what would create ...

Smurfit Westrock, the proposed new combined company, would create a $34 billion company with 23 million tons of mill capacity

Smurfit Kappa Group CEO Tony Smurfit told Fastmarkets’ PPI Pulp & Paper Week that the combination of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock is a promising and complementary deal.

The two companies signed a definitive agreement to combine in what would create a $34 billion company with 23 million tons of mill capacity and 500 converting plants focused on containerboard, as well as a large consumer packaging business. The combined companies would be the largest containerboard and boxmaking company in the world.

If the deal is finalized, the new combined company is to be called Smurfit WestRock.

"(This) combination has a lot of merit,” said Smurfit from Ireland on Sept. 12, who was selected by analysts last year as Fastmarkets’ International CEO of the Year.

“It’s a great responsibility to lead a company like this,” Smurfit said, assuming the deal is finalized. “We’re just at the starting gate ... there’s going to be a lot of hard work.”

Smurfit said WestRock has been on a “transformation journey” and Smurfit Kappa is aboard to make WestRock assets “stronger” and “rightsized” as part of the combined company. WestRock in the last year or so has permanently shut seven corrugated converting plants and more than one million tons of US containerboard capacity.

After the definitive agreement became public, Tony Smurfit said he spoke with his father and industry icon Michael WJ Smurfit, who he said is “seeing the combination as having tremendous potential.”

Smurfit Kappa is the largest containerboard producer in Europe, and is active in Mexico, Brazil, and Latin America. WestRock is the second largest containerboard producer in North America with about a 20% market share, and the company also runs North America’s second largest boxboard and folding carton business. WestRock has large containerboard business in Mexico and Brazil, and is the largest unbleached packaging kraft paper producer in North America with a 50% market share.

Does the Smurfit WestRock merger signify a trend for global packaging markets? Read our analyst’s insights here

Smurfit WestRock, HQ-ed in Dublin, on the NYSE

In an announcement on September 6, Smurfit Kappa reported that the “Potential Combination would be expected to involve the creation of a new holding company, Smurfit WestRock. … Smurfit WestRock would be incorporated and domiciled in Ireland with global headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, and North and South American operations headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The Potential Combination would be effected through an Irish scheme of arrangement involving Smurfit Kappa and a merger of a subsidiary with WestRock.”

The release by Smurfit Kappa also said that the combined companies would operate more than 500 converting plants and 67 mills. Their LTM (last 12 months) revenue through first-half 2023 was $34 billion, with EBITDA of $5.5 billion for a 16.2% margin. Smurfit WestRock would be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

The EBITDA for the two companies individually for the LTM as of June 30 was Smurfit Kappa at Euro 2.230 billion (US$2.289 billion) and WestRock at a pro forma EBITDA of $3.228 billion.

Smurfit Kappa’s release said that combining the two companies would create a firm with “unparalleled geographic reach across 42 countries with a significant presence across both Europe and the Americas,” and that the two now operate with “complementary portfolios with unique product diversity and innovative sustainability capabilities, with breadth and depth across renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging solutions.”

The companies in the release said they “are targeting annual pre-tax, run-rate cost synergies in excess of $400 (million) at the end of the first full year following completion; management estimates these synergies would require incurring one-off cash costs of $235 (million).”

23 million tons per year of packaging board capacity

Capacity-wise, Smurfit WestRock would be larger in packaging board capacity than China’s Nine Dragons, at least for now. Nine Dragons at the end of 2022 reported 14.8 million tonnes/yr of containerboard capacity and 2.6 million tonnes/yr of consumer packaging capacity. Nine Dragons also operates 5.2 million tonnes/yr of printing and writing, and specialty paper and pulp capacity. What’s more, Nine Dragons at the end of 2022 also said that it planned to add another 6.2 million tonnes/yr of capacity in packaging board in China and in Southeast Asia. The company makes linerboard in the US at both the Biron mill in Wisconsin and also in Rumford, ME.

Related to the Smurfit WestRock announcement, some US contacts told P&PW in the last month they heard rumors about a big “mega-deal” for containerboard that was coming. They named only one of the parties involved in this week’s announcement.

One said on Sept. 6: “This could be it! The real deal.”

“If this happens, which it makes sense, it will make the Smurfit-Stone deal (in November 1998) full circle, meaning (Smurfit Kappa) will be buying the same assets twice,” another US linerboard supplier said.

If completed, the deal could be a grand US return for Smurfit Kappa CEO Tony Smurfit or at least the Smurfit family name. Tony Smurfit’s father, Michael WJ Smurfit, did the mega-merger involving Ireland’s Jefferson Smurfit and the US’s Stone Container in late 1998. That deal established the Smurfit-Stone company as one of the largest containerboard producers in the US. RockTenn later acquired Smurfit-Stone in 2011 for $3.5 billion and after a merger with Mead/Westvaco in July 2015 became WestRock. In Europe, Jefferson Smurfit in 2005 merged with Dutch rival Kappa Packaging, establishing Smurfit Kappa.

Last year, Smurfit Kappa CEO Tony Smurfit was selected as the International CEO of the Year at the Fastmarkets PPI Awards event in Lisbon. One reviewer described Smurfit the leader as “a global thinker with an extraordinary human touch.”

WestRock CEO David Sewell was named to the top spot at the company in March 2021, replacing Steve Voorhees. Voorhees had completed the acquisition of KapStone Paper and Packaging in November 2018.

Sewell had been a president/COO at The Sherwin-Williams paint company. Prior to Sherwin-Williams, Sewell spent 15 years at General Electric.

WestRock’s capacity share is about 20% in North American containerboard. International Paper’s (IP) share is 30%, ranking it as the largest containerboard producer and corrugated boxmaker in North America. It was also IP that in 2018 tried and failed to acquire Smurfit Kappa. Since then, Smurfit Kappa has grown, with about an 18% margin annually over the last four to five years.

Westrock’s Grupo Gondi share purchase and internal integration

In December 2022, WestRock purchased the full 100% share of Grupo Gondi in Mexico. Smurfit Kappa also operates a containerboard business in Mexico, including a mill in the Mexico City area.

Since the Gondi purchase and even before, WestRock has been increasing its integration for the company’s internal containerboard to corrugated converting system. This year alone, the company shut seven corrugated converting plants and by yearend will have closed down two mills with linerboard capacity in North Charleston, SC, and Tacoma, WA.

Before the North Charleston and Tacoma shuts, WestRock in the last two years also permanently closed linerboard and corrugating medium capacity at mills in Panama City, FL, and Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN. The company retired three old machines in Florence, SC, and replaced them with possibly the largest kraft linerboard machine in North America – a 710,000 tons/yr unit that started rolling in fourth-quarter 2020.

“WestRock already supplies a good chunk of tons to (Smurfit Kappa) in the Latin America markets, plus the two are already present in Mexico and Brazil, strengthening the two largest markets,” a linerboard supplier contact said.

“I think the (WestRock) board will vote yes, but let’s see the deal structure,” the contact added.

WestRock also is the second largest consumer packaging boxboard and folding carton business in North America, behind Graphic Packaging, and is the largest unbleached kraft packaging paper producer in North America with a 50% share. Further, the company ties together the containerboard/consumer packaging board/and packaging paper units with converting equipment that it can sell downstream to its board customers.

In a move to increase internal integration, the company plans the startup in November of a new corrugated plant, either next to or at the site of the company’s large containerboard and kraft paper mill in Longview, WA. By putting the box plant extremely close to the containerboard machines, WestRock will reduce transport cost for its boxes, duplicating a model that has been popular for years with Pratt Industries in the US.

WestRock’s integrated containerboard and corrugated converting business revenue last year was $9.3 billion, consumer packaging was $4.97 billion, global paper and board sales were $5.93 billion, and distribution $1.4 billion.

Most of Smurfit Kappa’s $13.5 billion in revenue last year came from its broadly-developed containerboard and corrugated converting business. WestRock’s 2022 revenue increased 13.9% to $21.257 billion. Smurfit Kappa’s increased 27% to $13.502 billion.

WestRock’s containerboard capacity is 8.98 million tons, following the upcoming closures of its North Charleston and Tacoma mills. The company’s consumer packaging capacity is 4 million tons and its unbleached kraft paper bag capacity is just less than 1 million tons. Total board and packaging paper capacity for WestRock is about 14 million tons. Smurfit Kappa’s global capacity is 9.1 million tons.

This article was taken from PPI Pulp & Paper Week, our newsletter for pulp, paper and packaging market news and prices for North America. Speak to our team to learn more about our news and market analysis, prices, forecast and more.

Haley schedules campaign event in North Charleston

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NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Former U.N. Ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley will meet voters this Thursday during a presidential campaign stop.

Haley will host a meet-and-greet event at Holy City Brewery to meet with supporters.

The brewery is located at 1021 Aragon Ave. and those who attend will meet her in the brewery’s porter room.

The event is free, but registration is required.

Click here to register at the campaign stop’s Eventbrite page.

The meet-and-greet begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Summit addresses affordable housing crisis in the Lowcountry

...

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- Leaders say the Charleston area is in dire need of affordable housing. The problem led to a housing summit which was held Tuesday morning in North Charleston.

The need is something officials say they’re working to address immediately.

“It’s past urgent if you want to know the truth,” said Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg. “Housing cost is really becoming a limiting factor for our economic future of the Lowcountry.”

The Charleston Metro Chamber hosted the summit, bringing in speakers from different organizations for a conversation about practical ways to create and preserve affordable housing.

“We understand that housing is the foundation of economic development so when you think about transportation, when you think about healthcare. When you think about education, housing is the foundation of that,” said Housing Executive for Charleston Metro Chamber, Craig Logan.

One possible solution: tax incentives for developers.

The summit also called attention to different challenges minority groups face when buying a home. “There’s a huge gap between housing attainability for people of color,” Logan said.

Panelists pointed out obstacles like the language barrier for the Hispanic community and said education is a barrier in the African American community.

“A lot of it is access to financial institutions and access to loans,” Logan said.

Organizers hope to come away from the summit, turning conversations into action.

“Just thinking about what partnerships, what barriers are in place and from a professional’s perspective, how do we work to then create partnerships that either don’t exist, that may need to be put in place,” Logan said.

Leaders say this is an ever-evolving challenge, and they will continue to work together to find solutions.

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