Council News

By: Jaime Smith, Marketing & Communications Director

November 7, 2023

In April 2023, Graphic Packaging broke ground with their second facility that will leverage the industry’s most modern technology to produce recycled paperboard. The Waco, TX facility marks a record investment for economic development in the area, according to local officials.

The 640,000 square foot facility will use its groundbreaking technology to turn corrugated box cardboard into thinner paperboard packaging - such as cereal boxes and other sustainable consumer packaging.

Central South Carpenters partnered with an International Signatory, to complete the concrete form work for the project. Carpenters are building grade beams, pier caps, and slab formations.

Local 429 Representative, Shawn Walker, stated we currently have 80 carpenters on-site, with another 30-40 additional members projected within the next month or two. Projected work hours when the project is complete are estimated to total 300,000.

He also indicated we are pursuing roofing, interior systems, flooring, and millwork packages.

Local 1421 Representative, Thomas Brown, stated that Millwrights will be on location in Spring 2024 with peak labor of 80-90 members.  Upon completion of construction and operation of the facility, there is a potential of 40 members remaining for maintenance operations.

If you or someone you know are interested in joining the Union, please contact your local representative, or stop by your local union office.

Visit https://www.centralsouthcarpenters.org/Locals for Local Union contact information.