Expansion Management

Paper Products Manufacturer to Open Plant in Mississippi

Jan. 25, 2013

von Drehle has acquired the former Mississippi River Pulp facility, which closed its doors in November 2012. von Drehle will manufacture paper products formerly produced by Mississippi River Pulp, as well as its own product lines.

Adrienne Selko

von Drehle Corp., earlier this week, announced it locating manufacturing operations in Natchez, Miss.

The company, which provides paper products to commercial and industrial consumers, will create at least 100 new jobs.

“We believe the people, community and state are a good fit for von Drehle and we appreciate their support throughout this process," said Randy Bergman, chief operating officer of the von Drehle Corp.

Established in 1974, von Drehle maintains manufacturing operations in North Carolina, Nevada and Tennessee. The Hickory, N.C.-based company sells towel, tissue and dispenser products to industrial, commercial and institutional distributors, contract cleaners and building-maintenance service providers.

The Mississippi Development Authority assisted von Drehle with this project, providing guidance on available tax incentives.

To date in 2013, the Mississippi Development Authority has assisted with business location and expansion projects that have resulted in the announcement of 760 new jobs and nearly $58 million in private sector investment.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.