The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. – At Smurfit Westrock’s Covington mill, reliability and performance are essential to serving customers, supporting our manufacturing network and contributing to the western Virginia community the mill has called home since 1899.
The 900-employee facility, located three blocks from Main Street in downtown Covington, has long been an essential part of the community. A recent investment to upgrade the aging drive system in a paper machine with advanced AC motor technology and integrated digital controls further positions the mill to deliver a strong performance for years to come.
“This upgrade has strengthened our ability to deliver high-quality products efficiently and reliably,” said Kenny Knipschild, president, Mills, U.S. and Canada. “It reflects our commitment to investing in assets that support long-term growth and sustainability.” The project modernized the paper machine to successfully improve responsiveness, helping operators spot issues sooner and supporting smoother operations with lower maintenance costs.
“This machine is an important asset to Smurfit Westrock’s operations at Covington and broadly across our footprint,” said Don Wilkinson, general manager at Covington. “The system upgrade provides operators with a much clearer picture of what’s happening inside the machine, which improves consistency and troubleshooting. We have better information, fewer surprises and greater control over line performance.”
Investments like this aren’t just critical to mill operations; they also contribute to the long-term vitality of the Covington community. Modernizing critical infrastructure enables the mill to provide customers with dependable supply, contribute to the local and statewide economy, and ultimately maintain its position as one of the area’s most reliable employers.
“The mill is the lifeblood of our community,” Don said. “Our success ripples through the community, from our employees to local businesses and even across the Alleghany Highlands region, so this kind of investment boosts morale inside and outside our walls.”
Teammates are also committed to giving back to the community they call home. They support local food banks, volunteer with youth programs and participate in Trees Into Cartons, Cartons Into Trees (TICCIT) by visiting schools to connect forestry, recycling and sustainable packaging. The mill also contributes to STEM scholarships and sponsors events such as charity golf tournaments and holiday donation programs – reflecting strong ties to the neighborhoods it serves.
Workforce development is another way Smurfit Westrock is investing in the Covington community. Recently, an apprenticeship program was relaunched in partnership with the state of Virginia and Mountain Gateway Community College. Participants train in complex maintenance and technical work at the mill while completing state-certified coursework. “It’s a great way to create career advancement opportunities for our employees and help keep emerging talent in the area,” said Ruth Caul, senior human resources manager at the mill.
Since installation, the mill has seen measurable gains in uptime and troubleshooting efficiency. Maintenance teams can diagnose issues faster, operators can make more informed adjustments, and unplanned disruptions have been reduced. For customers, that translates into more consistent product quality and dependable delivery from the historic – but modernized – Covington mill. The improved systems also help reduce energy use and maintenance waste, supporting Smurfit Westrock’s focus on sustainable operations and responsible resource management.
“We’ve seen our machines run better since the upgrade,” Don said. “We’re using energy more efficiently, reducing maintenance and material waste and keeping the line running smoothly for our customers.” The upgrade shows how targeted investments in technology and infrastructure strengthen Smurfit Westrock’s manufacturing network. Building on more than a century of history, the Covington mill is positioned to deliver strong performance, support its community and create long-term value for customers and shareholders.
