News Summary
Kimberly-Clark Corporation is considering a significant investment in Aiken County, potentially worth at least $400 million for Project Calypso. This investment aims to enhance local manufacturing and distribution, create numerous jobs, and improve infrastructure. The Aiken County Council has shown unanimous support for this initiative, which promises to have a lasting positive impact on the community. With a solid commitment to sustainability and community support, Kimberly-Clark’s plans could usher in an economic boost and increased opportunities in the region.
Exciting News for Aiken County: Kimberly-Clark’s Major Investment Plans!
Aiken County is buzzing with excitement as Kimberly-Clark Corporation, known for producing beloved household products, is contemplating a significant investment that could change the economic landscape of our community. With the company’s Beech Island mill kicking off operations way back in 1968, this potential infusion of investment could be a game-changer, adding not only jobs but also enhancing local infrastructure.
Project Calypso: What’s in the Works?
According to a recent public hearing notice, Kimberly-Clark is eyeing a whopping hundreds of millions of dollars to roll out Project Calypso, which aims to expand or establish new manufacturing or distribution facilities right here in Aiken County. We’re talking about a taxable investment of at least $400 million! That’s not pocket change, folks, and it could have a lasting impact on our community.
Community Backing: Council Steps Up!
The enthusiasm isn’t just one-sided either! On February 4, the Aiken County Council showed their full support by voting unanimously in favor of the second reading of an ordinance that offers a incentive through a fee in lieu of property taxes for Project Calypso. This is a huge step forward, and the council is gearing up for a final reading scheduled for February 18 at the Aiken County Government Center.
Kimberly-Clark’s Commitment to Aiken
As Aiken County’s second-largest private employer, Kimberly-Clark’s Beech Island mill has been a stable force, employing nearly 1,200 full-time workers. Over the past two decades, this facility has expanded impressively to over 2 million square feet, with more than $1.5 billion in investments made to modernize its operations.
Going Green: Sustainability Measures
It’s hard not to be proud of what the Beech Island plant has accomplished in terms of sustainability. Recent initiatives have drastically cut landfill use by a massive 95 percent. They’ve even gotten creative, using reclaimed landfill gas for steam generation, all while recycling an astounding 200 million gallons of water annually. That’s not only good for the environment but shows a strong commitment to our community, too.
Product Spotlight: What They Make
For those wondering what Kimberly-Clark produces at the mill, they are behind some of the products we all know and use every day. Think Huggies diapers, Pull-Ups training pants, Scott and Viva paper towels, and Cottonelle flushable wipes. Familiar names that many families rely on!
What’s Next for Kimberly-Clark?
Despite announcing plans a while back to trim their global workforce by 13 percent—amounting to around 5,000 jobs due to sluggish sales—local officials are remaining optimistic about Aiken’s Kimberly-Clark plant. Their efficient operations might just keep our local mill safe from the cuts.
The Local Impact: A History of Giving
Over the years, Kimberly-Clark has nurtured a positive relationship with our community. In fact, they’ve contributed around $3 million to United Way over the past decade alone! They’ve also shown their dedication through various donations to local charities and ongoing support of STEM education programs—proving they really care about our community’s future.
Final Thoughts: Good Things Ahead!
With such an exciting prospect on the horizon, it looks like Aiken County could be on the brink of a fantastic economic boost thanks to Kimberly-Clark’s Project Calypso. As community members, we can look forward to the positive changes this potential investment might usher in, and who knows, it might even lead to more job opportunities for our friends and neighbors!
So, mark your calendars for February 18 and let’s keep our fingers crossed for what could be a bright future for Aiken County!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Kimberly-Clark Aiken County
- Augusta Chronicle: Aiken Council Advances Tax Break
- WRDW: Kimberly-Clark Plant Declaring Workforce Cuts
- Legacy: Patrick Wingard Obituary
- Google Search: Kimberly-Clark Aiken County
