Stonewall Packaging to Expand Manufacturing Creating 61 Jobs

Meanwhile, NC has the fastest growing unemployment in the South!

April 7, 2009

JACKSON COUNTY NC NEWS -- The Stonewall Packaging LLC, a joint project of Jackson Paper Manufacturing Company, is building a new plant in Sylva, NC to produce recycled cardboard packaging. The company plans to invest more than $16 million to renovate and modify a vacant mill, and create 61 new jobs in Jackson County. Stonewall Packaging and Jackson Paper Manufacturing Company accepted a $200,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund to help finance the project.

During the announcement of the grant, Governor Beverly Perdue said:

"As global markets evolve, North Carolina's manufacturing sector is keeping pace to take advantage of new opportunities. Companies like this one are investing in green-friendly products while continuing to enjoy our state's top-rated business climate, skilled workforce and unparalleled quality of life."

For clarification Governor, unemployment in North Carolina has climbed almost 4.0% between September 2008, through February 2009, from 6.8% to 10.7%. Meanwhile, neighboring states unemployment rates have only raised an average of 2.7%. Neighboring states unemployment rates increases over the last six months:

• Georgia increased 2.7% to 9.3% in February 2009
• South Carolina increased 3.5% to 11.0% in February 2009
• Tennessee increased 2.2% to 9.1% in February 2009
• Virginia increased 2.5% to 6.6% in February 2009

Data provided by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (USBLS).

Additionally, after viewing the statistics at USBLS, it is quite clear that North Carolina has the fastest growing unemployment rate among the four states, and if this growth rate continues, it will out pace South Carolina unemployment rate by summer. Therefore, making North Carolina's unemployment rate the highest in the entire south!

Totaling 136.3% divided by 17 states, equals an average unemployment rate of 8.0% for the southern states. Once again a 2.7 percent difference between North Carolina's unemployment rate and the rest of the south. NC Governor Beverly Perdue please don't smoke.

The 61 new jobs created by Stonewall Packaging LLC will pay an average of $39,344, not including benefits, which is more than the Jackson County average annual wage of $27,820. The company will begin hiring this summer.

Additionally, Stonewall Packaging LLC's parent company, Jackson Paper Manufacturing Company of Sylva, currently employs 119 workers at its mill producing recycled corrugated cardboard used by independent box manufacturers to make the fluted layer inside cardboard boxes.

Timothy L. Campbell, President and CEO of both Stonewall and Jackson Paper Manufacturing Company said:

"We chose to build the plant in Sylva because of the infrastructure that is already in place at Jackson Paper and because of the highly skilled workforce in Jackson County. We are grateful for the support of the Town of Sylva, Jackson County government and the state of North Carolina in this new venture, and we look forward to continued growth in the future."

The One North Carolina Fund, has supported the creation of more than 35,000 jobs and $6.5 billion in investment since 2001. All grants require and are contingent upon local government fund matches. Project partners in the Stonewall Packaging LLC economic expansion included:

• North Carolina Department of Commerce
• North Carolina Department of Revenue
• North Carolina Department of Transportation
• NC Community Colleges
• Southwestern Community College
• Jackson County
• Town of Sylva
• NC Rural Center
• Duke Energy

Furthermore, companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds.

Finally, County NC News congratulates Stonewall Packaging LLC and Jackson Paper Manufacturing Company for their efforts to strengthen our United States economy and the paper manufacturing industry in North Carolina.