Smurfit Westrock has confirmed plans to invest approximately €600m across its operations in France, reinforcing its long-term commitment to French manufacturing, innovation, and sustainability ahead of the Choose France initiative.
The investment will take place over the next three to five years and will support the modernisation and decarbonisation of its operations; enhancing manufacturing efficiency, customer innovation, and sustainable packaging capabilities.
Established in France for over 40 years, the company employs approximately 6,000 people at 50 sites across the country, underscoring France’s strategic importance to the company’s European operations and its attractiveness as a destination for industrial investment.
“With this continuous programme of investment in France, our commitment to innovation, quality, and decarbonisation efforts is clear,” said Saverio Mayer, CEO Europe, MEA and APAC, Smurfit Westrock. “France continues to provide a strong environment for this to take place; through long-term industrial investment, supported by skilled talent, innovation, and a clear commitment to sustainability.”
This next phase of investment builds on a solid foundation: the company has already spent more than €500m in France over the past five years to modernise operations, improve service, and expand capabilities. Smurfit Westrock operates four net zero plants in France and an almost fully decarbonised paper mill, underscoring its leadership in sustainable packaging production.
“It only makes sense that sites creating sustainable packaging are sustainable in their own right,” said Andrew Coffey, CEO, Smurfit Westrock France. “Achieving net zero at these plants was a significant milestone, and one which has given us an excellent platform to go even further. That’s why strategic investments in key sites are important to continue this momentum. These include a €40m expansion and modernisation of our Épernay facility, €20m to continue progress at our advanced corrugated facility in Vernon, and over €100m to support multiple projects at our Facture paper mill, including the installation of an evaporation plant. These investments will further elevate our capabilities and reduce our environmental impact.”
