Barnwell, SC – Rural Development Partners provided $15 million in New Markets Tax Credit funding to solidify construction of a new integrated production facility near Barnwell, South Carolina.
Orchids Paper Products Company, a leading provider of high quality consumer tissue, created 134 new jobs with the expansion of the Pryor, Oklahoma, based Orchids and will serve the East Coast of the United States. Orchids produces paper towels, bathroom tissue and paper napkins.
Barnwell, South Carolina, population of 4,750, has lost more than 600 jobs in recent years. In addition to the new full-time positions, the immense infrastructure needed for the paper machines and converting lines will create 220 full-time equivalent temporary construction jobs throughout the course of the construction and equipment installation process.
Community Investment Program
Through RDP’s Community Investment Program, RDP and Orchids Paper provided a matching funds grant of $48K to the Barnwell Fire Department, enabling them to purchase equipment like thermal imaging cameras, hose, nozzles, defibrillator, Jaws of Life, and multi gas meter – allowing lives and structures to be saved without a tax increase or borrowed funds.
In 2019, Cascades purchased Orchids Paper, preserving the NMTC structure and retaining quality jobs for the Barnwell Community. RDP and Cascades awarded a matching funds grant of $102K through RDP’s Community Investment Program, providing essential workforce development initiatives for Barnwell County and area residents. Palmetto Training, Inc. provided industry certifications in CDL, welding, forklift and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Manufacturing. Denmark Technical College provided ManuFirst and MicroBurst courses to help students learn the production processes and procedures necessary to qualify for manufacturing jobs.