Packaging Co. Moves to Augusta County
August 12, 2006
LOFTON-Global packaging company MeadWestvaco has moved part of its distribution operation to the former Hopeman-Brothers plant in Augusta County.
While less than 20 employees work for the contractor FFI at the Lofton plant now, MeadWestvaco hopes to eventually have more than 70 employees and to expand its operation.
The company said Thursday that distribution for part of the paperboard products made at the company's Covington plant already has started in Augusta County.
And over the next two years, the company hopes to expand its distribution operation by 400,000 square feet at Lofton, and serve all of the products made in Covington.
The Covington mill makes about 950,000 tons per year of coated paperboard. Its plant manager, Mark George, said the paperboard is used for cosmetic, cigarette and confectionary boxes as well as DVD covers.
Martin Rothe, director of inventory, planning and management for MeadWestvaco's packing resources group, the Lofton site is ideal "because it is so close to Interstates 81 and 64. And the rail access will help MeadWestvaco complete in the global market."