Smurfit Westrock Launches Advanced Automation at Wisconsin Superplant
Smurfit Westrock's new 'superplant' in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, employs advanced automation to operate with 60% less labor than traditional plants, producing 3 billion square feet of corrugated boxes annually. The facility is strategically located to serve the high-demand Chicago market, leveraging rail access for efficient raw material shipments.
Theia Market Signal Identification - AI AssistedThe Pleasant Prairie superplant, completed in April 2025, spans 595,000 square feet and produces corrugated boxes at a rate three times that of standard plants. With an investment of $136 million, it incorporates advanced automation technologies, including an 80% automated BHS corrugator and robotics for packing and palletizing.
The facility's automation reduces labor requirements significantly, improving safety and efficiency. Rail access enhances logistics for raw material shipments, supporting the plant's operations. Smurfit Westrock's focus on training aims to transition employees into higher-value roles while allowing machinery to handle repetitive tasks. This modernized facility is positioned to meet the demands of the booming Great Lakes corrugated box market.
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