It has been reported that WestRock has confirmed a $48 million expansion of its Sioux City plant on Bridgeport Drive. The plans call for WestRock to consolidate its two manufacturing plants on Tri-View Avenue and Bridgeport Drive. All manufacturing would be done at the Bridgeport plant, where an 82,000 square-foot addition would be built. New machinery will be installed at the combined plant that will automate some job functions.
“This investment will allow WestRock to modernize our operations in Sioux City,” said Chris Augustine, Director of Corporate Communications at WestRock. “We will be more competitive in the industry and retain as many jobs as possible in the local community once we improve our facility layout and update our equipment.”
As part of the expansion, the plant at 1540 Tri-View Avenue would be converted into a warehouse and distribution center. Without the modernization and consolidation project, the company likely would have relocated to another state, city officials said. Mayor Bob Scott said city leaders began talks with WestRock officials last year to ensure the large employer remained in the city.