A new owner plans to acquire and reopen the former Cascades tissue plant in Barnwell.
Barnwell Tissue Solutions, a tissue manufacturer, announced plans on June 19 to establish operations in Barnwell County. The company’s $12 million investment will create 50 new jobs.
“The City of Barnwell is excited about the announcement of Barnwell Tissue Solutions opening a plant in our community. We are looking forward to working with Barnwell Tissue Solutions and forming both an economic as well as a community partnership that will help us both grow now and in the future,” said Barnwell Mayor Ron Still.
Canada's Cascades Inc. bought the Orchids Paper Products plant in Barnwell as part of a 2019 bankruptcy acquisition. However, in April 2023, Cascades deemed the 415,000-square-foot paper mill and converting plant at the Barnwell Airport Industrial Park off of Highway 278 to be underperforming. Doors were shut by July 2023, and all 150 employees either received a severance package or a job offer to another Cascades business, according to previous reporting by The People-Sentinel.
“This $12 million investment is a vote of confidence in South Carolina’s business climate and manufacturing expertise. By revitalizing an existing tissue mill in Barnwell County, Barnwell Tissue Solutions will restore 50 valuable jobs to the community. We are proud to welcome this company to our state and look forward to its continued success,” said Gov. Henry McMaster.
Barnwell Tissue Solutions plans to purchase the existing tissue mill located at 285 Midfield Road in Barnwell. The company will manufacture large paper rolls from recycled paper, which will be converted into away-from-home tissue products.
“This acquisition reflects our commitment to investing in rural American communities and creating high-quality manufacturing jobs – particularly for local residents. We are excited to partner with the community to build a skilled workforce and generate long-term economic opportunity. We extend our sincere thanks to the visionary leaders at both the state and county levels whose support made this project possible. Together, we look forward to shaping a vibrant future for Barnwell County,” said Barnwell Tissue Solutions owner Sahil Tak.
Barnwell Tissue Solutions is a member of the ST Group of companies. The Barnwell facility marks the company’s first operation in South Carolina.
“ST Paper & Tissue are minority owned tissue mills located in Oconto Falls, WI, and Isle of Wight, VA, respectively, that produce bath tissue, paper towels and napkins for the Away From Home market,” according to www.stpaperllc.com.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.
Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III said this announcement is “another indication that companies continue recognizing the benefits of doing business in our state. We are excited to welcome Barnwell Tissue Solutions to one of our state’s rural communities and look forward to the positive impact it will make in Barnwell County and beyond.”
Barnwell County Council Chairman Freddie Houston looks forward to the “good jobs and investment” that Barnwell Tissue Solutions will bring. “On behalf of Barnwell County, we look forward to providing a business-friendly home for their operations for years to come. Every good job created represents a brighter future here in Barnwell County,” said Houston.
Operations are expected to be online in the third quarter of 2025.
“SouthernCarolina Alliance welcomes Barnwell Tissue Solutions to our diverse array of manufacturers in the region. We appreciate the good direct jobs and investment this operation will bring to the region, as well as the opportunities it will provide in indirect jobs and economic stimulation in Barnwell County and the surrounding area,” said SouthernCarolina Alliance President and CEO Danny Black.
Individuals interested in joining the Barnwell Tissue Solutions team should visit the company’s careers page.