Columbus Co. Commission approves incentives for International Paper

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Monday night, the Columbus County Commission decided to give International Paper the incentives they are asking for as they plan on making upgrades to the Rieglewood plant. The commission voted unanimously to give International Paper an Economic Development Grant totaling $3,451,840.

Kim Clewis, a Rieglewood Mill spokeswoman, says the company is investing $128 million in installing a new production line and other equipment to change what they can manufacture.

County Commissioner James Prevatte says the incentives agreement with the county would allow the company to pay 85 percent to 70 precent less in taxes each year for five years and after that the county would be able collect taxes and make that money back eventually.

Clewis says the mill is still looking at job cuts but they plan on not filling positions of early retirees. She says they hope that will allow them not to cut any other jobs.

Clewis says when asked if the close to $3.5 million will make a real difference when International Paper is investing much more, she says yes.

“I think it’s going to strengthen the mill’s position both within the company and then outside within the paper industry,” said Clewis. “And it shows the company and other companies that it is good to do business in North Carolina.”

Prevatte says the county has a policy when it comes to incentives and their decision Monday night is within those guidelines. He says the county will make back the money they invest and much more.