Sylvamo Advances $145 Million Investment Program at South Carolina Operations

Sylvamo said it is progressing on $145 million in projects aimed at improving efficiency, lowering costs and expanding production capacity at its Eastover mill and Sumter sheeting plant in South Carolina.

The investments are part of the company’s strategy to focus on low-risk, high-return projects designed to strengthen long-term operational performance and shareholder value.

The largest initiative is a $100 million project to optimize and increase the speed of the No. 2 Paper Machine at the Eastover mill. Most of the work is scheduled during an extended maintenance outage in the fourth quarter of 2026. Once completed, the project is expected to improve manufacturing flexibility, reduce operating costs and enhance product mix capabilities across both paper machines. Sylvamo said the upgrade will add approximately 60,000 short tons of annual uncoated freesheet paper capacity.

At the Sumter sheeting plant, the company is investing $45 million in a new 13-pocket cutsize sheeter. Product testing is currently underway with the equipment manufacturer, while installation is scheduled to coincide with the paper machine optimization project. The new sheeter will process larger paper rolls and convert them into sheets more efficiently, helping reduce costs and increase production flexibility.

Sylvamo also announced progress on a woodyard modernization initiative at Eastover through a 20-year outsourcing partnership focused on improving wood processing operations. The hardwood processing line became operational on May 1, with the company reporting improved chip quality and yield. Work on the softwood processing line remains on schedule for startup in the first quarter of 2027.

“Eastover is one of the largest, lowest-cost producers of uncoated freesheet in North America, and these strategic investments further strengthen its competitive advantage,” said John Sims, chief executive officer of Sylvamo.

The projects are expected to be completed in 2027.

Sylvamo’s Eastover mill produces more than 90% of its energy internally and employs over 800 workers. The facility manufactures uncoated freesheet paper products including Hammermill, HP Home & Office and Williamsburg brands.