Buckeye Technologies
Company Profile
Buckeye Technologies One Buckeye Drive Perry, Florida 32347 Website: www.bkitech.com Telephone: (850) 584-1420 Fax: (850) 584-5832Contact
Ray Andreu, Corporate Environmental, Health &Safety Manager ray_andreu@bkitech.comMill Employment
The plant employs 700 people, of which 80% live in Taylor County. An estimated 1,000 jobs are created indirectly for loggers, suppliers and other allied services which support the plant operation.
Company Products
The Buckeye Florida plant near Perry is a major producer of specialty cellulose from slash pine. Built by Procter & Gamble in 1954, the facility was acquired by a private business partnership in 1993 when P&G sold its cellulose and specialties division. The partnership evolved into a publicly-traded company-Buckeye Cellulose-in November 1995. The plant produces a variety of high-grade cellulose products for use in the manufacture of rayon, tire cord, sausage casings, filter papers, diapers, and sanitary products.
Economic Information
Foley's employee compensations expenditures total over $45 million annually. In addition, the plant contributes over $180 million to the Florida economy in materials, supplies, and services purchased. The operation annually pays over $3.5 million in local taxes.
Environmental Information
The plant has a long history of pioneering environmental improvements. Since 1970, the site has invested the equivalent of $200 million to prevent and treat water and air pollution. The company is currently working with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to improve water quality in the Fenholloway River. The Izaak Walton League presented the plant the organization's first Clean Water Award for "independent, voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty to abate water pollution."
Community Information
Buckeye and Buckeye employees participate fully in community life, including civic, governmental, youth, health, safety, business, educational, and religious organizations. The company contributes financially to many organizations including United Way of the Big Bend, Boys & Girls Club, Refuge House, Inc., Taylor Education Foundation, Big Bend Hospice, March of Dimes, Southeastern Community Blood Center, Rotary Youth Camp, Florida 4-H, Boys Scouts, Girls Scouts, nine Volunteer Fire Departments, and Florida Forest Festival. Company employees contribute over $86,000 annually to United Way.
