WestRock Company, a leading sustainable paper and packaging solutions provider, today announced plans to build an advanced corrugated converting facility in Pleasant Prairie. The state-of-the-art facility will be located at the LogistiCenter at Pleasant Prairie. Construction is planned to begin in 2024.

WestRock provides innovative and sustainable paper-based packaging solutions across multiple sectors including consumer products, food and beverage, healthcare, e-commerce, industrial products, and more.

Milwaukee 7 (M7) worked alongside our partners at Wisconsin Economic Development Corp (WEDC), Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA), and the Village of Pleasant Prairie to attract WestRock to Southeastern Wisconsin. "We're delighted that WestRock will establish its new production facility in our region, locating on a portion of We Energies' former power generation site in Pleasant Prairie.  It’s exciting to see how WestRock will leverage the existing infrastructure to its full potential," said Gale Klappa, Co-Chair of Milwaukee 7 and Executive Chairman of WEC Energy Group. "WestRock is a leader in the packaging sector. The company’s choice to locate here further underscores the value of our region’s assets.”

The project's Pleasant Prairie site, previously a We Energies Power Plant, was successfully acquired by the development company, Dermody Properties, in September 2023. In collaboration with the Village, the site is undergoing a comprehensive redevelopment to bring about transformative changes.

“We’re confident that expanding our presence in an area of demand like the Great Lakes will enhance our ability to serve our customers in this important region,” said David B. Sewell, chief executive officer, WestRock.

“WestRock’s decision to move to Pleasant Prairie is a win for Wisconsin and for our state’s paper industry,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the state’s leading economic development organization. “WestRock’s innovative, sustainable approach to manufacturing offers the kind of leadership that will continue to move this vital sector of our economy forward.”

This marks the first M7 win in 2024, adding to the team’s long history of increasing jobs and capital in the region.