Claremont, N.C. (News release) -- WestRock Company, a global manufacturer of differentiated paper and packaging solutions, broke ground on a 285,000 square foot expansion at its consumer packaging facility in Claremont. The $47 million investment was bolstered by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund and is expected to create 50 new jobs by the end of next year.

During yesterday's groundbreaking ceremony, WestRock project manager and Catawba County native Jason Smitherman remarked, "WestRock has operated on these grounds for 25 years, and this investment ensures we will be here for many more to come. This project would not have been possible without the commitment to and belief in WestRock by the City of Claremont, Catawba County, and the state of North Carolina."

The expanded facility and its employees will support WestRock's production of sustainable, fiber-based packaging for some of the world's leading food, food service and beverage brands.

WestRock has more than 50,000 employees and more than 300 locations worldwide.