News Summary

Kimberly-Clark Corporation is investing over $200 million to expand its facility in Aiken County, South Carolina. The expansion, part of a $2 billion domestic initiative, will add 1.1 million square feet to the plant and create over 150 new jobs. This significant growth is expected to enhance local economic stability and improve operational efficiencies with advanced technologies. The initiative reflects a strong commitment to Aiken County’s manufacturing sector, which has been bolstered by local government support.

Aiken County, South Carolina, Welcomes Major Expansion from Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark Corporation is making a significant investment of over $200 million to expand its facility in Aiken County, South Carolina. This move is part of a broader strategy that involves a $2 billion domestic expansion, marking the company’s largest growth initiative in over 30 years. The expansion is set to create more than 150 new jobs within the local community, further enhancing the economic stability of the region.

Details of the Expansion

The planned expansion will add an impressive 1.1 million square feet to the existing Kimberly-Clark facility located at 246 Old Jackson Highway in Beech Island. This site is the company’s largest production plant, established in 1968, and currently employs between 1,500 and 2,000 workers. The enhancements aim to streamline product distribution, significantly bolstering the site’s capabilities in direct shipping.

The company plans to incorporate advanced technologies, including robotics, AI-powered logistics systems, and high-density automated storage, to improve operational efficiencies. The new operational features are expected to be fully functional by the second quarter of 2027.

Impact on the Local Community

This expansion has been hailed as a substantial vote of confidence in Aiken County’s manufacturing sector. It not only promises new employment opportunities but also signifies the ongoing strength and potential of the local economy. Aiken County has long relied on the Kimberly-Clark facility, which has been a cornerstone of the area’s economic infrastructure for over 50 years.

To facilitate Kimberly-Clark’s development efforts, the Aiken County Council approved tax incentives earlier this year. This support reflects the county’s commitment to fostering a favorable business environment, which is further emphasized by Governor Henry McMaster’s remarks on the positive climate for businesses in South Carolina. The state continues to attract major global enterprises, reinforcing its status as a desirable location for corporate investment.

Aiken County’s Economic Landscape

Kimberly-Clark is well-known for producing household staples including Scott toilet paper, Cottonelle, Huggies diapers, Kleenex facial tissue, and Kotex feminine products. With the upcoming expansion, the facility will further contribute to the local economy by increasing production capabilities and job opportunities. This initiative aligns with the ongoing trends in the manufacturing sector as companies adapt to meet modern consumer demands and operate efficiently in a competitive market.

The expansion of Kimberly-Clark’s Beech Island plant is expected to have a ripple effect on the local economy, positively impacting suppliers and services that support both the manufacturing process and the workers employed at the facility. As the project progresses, the community eagerly anticipates the benefits that the enhanced facility will bring, not only in employment but also in solidifying Aiken County’s role as a vital manufacturing hub in South Carolina.

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Kimberly-Clark Expands Facility in Aiken County, SC