MeadWestvaco Will Close North Carolina Packaging Plant

MeadWestvaco announced today that it will discontinue operations at its MWV Packaging plant in Grover, North Carolina, in an effort to streamline costs and improve operational efficiencies. The facility produces packaging for the media and entertainment industry.

Some production at this facility will transfer to other MWV Packaging plants, and the company’s capacity to supply these products will not be affected. Closure of the Grover facility, expected by early 2009, will maximize the company’s operations and resources, enabling MWV to more efficiently serve its media customers around the world.

“The decision to close the Grover facility was a difficult but necessary one,” said Steve Scherger, president of Beverage and Media Packaging, MWV. “In today’s challenging economy, we must focus on managing the cost elements that we can directly control. This includes carefully studying our operational footprint to determine how we can create greater efficiencies that will strengthen our presence in the marketplace.”

The closure of the Grover plant will impact approximately 120 hourly and salaried employees. Affected employees will be eligible for separation benefits in accordance with company policy. The company will be working with the North Carolina Rapid Response Team to provide assistance and support.

Source: MeadWestvaco