Local

Possible Kimberly-Clark manufacturing plant in Warren could bring hundreds of new area jobs

By Staff report

Updated January 4, 2024 8:22 PM

Shown here is the main office building of the former Republic Steel along Pine Avenue Southeast in Warren, adjacent to former Republic Steel land recently donated to the Western Reserve Port Authority.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: The story has been clarified to state that KImberly-Clark could build a manufacturing plant on the former RG Steel site. No specific job plans have been mentioned, but past projects from the company have brought as many as 1,300 jobs to the area).

The city of Warren received a business-related Christmas present when giant paper manufacturer Kimberly-Clark announced it has purchased land that used to house the former RG Steel site in the southeast part of the city.

No specific plans have been announced by the company, but speculation from community officials says the site could be used for a paper mill or manufacturing facility.

Similar projects from Kimberly-Clark around the country have employed as many as 1,300 workers.

“This is a great example of why it is so important to clean up our former industrial sites for new development,” tweeted state Rep. Nick Santucci, R-Howland. “I’m excited to continue supporting policies in Columbus to expand these efforts.”

During a meeting on Dec. 28, the Western Reserve Port Authority approved the sale of 560 acres of the former steel mill to Kimberly-Clark. The deal was reportedly worth $9.935 million.

Kimberly-Clark manufactures Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Kotex and Cottonelle. There was no word on what product will be produced at the new Trumbull County site.

Local officials also called the news “a historic announcement for the Valley.” Reports also stated proceeds from the sale of land will go toward cleanup of the remaining 440 acres of the steel mill site to rid it of contaminated soil.