Kimberly-Clark’s Beech Island Mill marks its 50th anniversary this week with a two-day celebration for employees, retirees and their guests. From Nov. 8-9, the event features site tours, a car show, a celebration meal and a donation drive for local charities.

In operation since 1968, the Beech Island Mill is the second largest employer in Aiken County, South Carolina. Kimberly-Clark has made significant investments in the mill since its original construction to expand production capacity and sustainable manufacturing processes. The facility currently manufactures products for the company’s trusted brands including Huggies diapers, Pull-Ups and GoodNites training pants, Kleenex facial tissue, Cottonelle and Scott bath tissue, Scott and Viva towels and Cottonelle and Scott flushable wipes. 

“Kimberly-Clark is pleased to celebrate this major milestone in the history of the Beech Island Mill,” says Simon Woods, Beech Island Mill manager. “We are proud to call Aiken County home and salute our employees for their commitment to deliver innovative products to customers and consumers over the past 50 years.”

The Beech Island Mill is at the forefront of Kimberly-Clark’s sustainability initiatives. The facility uses reclaimed landfill gas to generate steam for its operations and has received global recognition for its work to recycle and reuse water in its production processes, which saves over 200 million gallons of fresh water a year. Through on-site recycling programs, the mill has reduced the amount of waste sent to landfills by 95% and is working toward a zero-waste goal.

“Kimberly-Clark is an outstanding corporate citizen, and the relationship between K-C and Aiken County on job creation and industrial investment has been mutually beneficial for decades,” says Gary Bunker, chairman, Aiken County Council. “Here’s to another 50 years of cooperation, which will continue to be a win-win for both Kimberly-Clark and the citizens of Aiken County.”

In addition to serving as an economic engine for Aiken County, the Beech Island Mill aids social programs that support the community where its people live and work. Kimberly-Clark employees have donated $3 million to the local United Way over the past 10 years.  The mill also leads an annual E-week (Engineering Week) with local schools to support STEM programs, which engages over 1000 children each year.