Georgia-Pacific today announced an investment of approximately $150 million to rebuild one of the paper machines at its Palatka, Florida, mill. The investment is part of Georgia-Pacific's ongoing efforts to maintain and strengthen its current tissue production and enhance the long-term competitiveness of its consumer tissue business. Work on the project has already begun and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2028.
Key facts about the investment include:
- The approximately $150 million investment replaces the Number Four paper machine, which was installed in 1980.
- The project will modernize a strategic machine that produces paper for Angel Soft® bath tissue, preserving existing production while increasing the mill's manufacturing capabilities.
- The investment will improve safety, reliability, quality and productivity through incorporating updated technology and safety systems.
"This investment demonstrates our confidence in Palatka and in the future of our consumer tissue business," said Andrew Noble, president of Georgia-Pacific's consumer tissue, towel and napkins business. "It allows us to modernize an important asset with today's technology while continuing to provide the quality products our customers and consumers expect."
The Palatka mill makes Angel Soft®, Quilted Northern®, Brawny® and Sparkle®, popular consumer brands that are found in nearly 60 million U.S. households.
Vice President for Manufacturing at the Palatka mill, Vin Webster, stated, "This paper machine rebuild is an investment in Palatka's future. The rebuilt machine will help us better serve customers, apply technology more effectively and strengthen our position as an advantaged manufacturer. This project reflects Georgia-Pacific's vision of creating long-term value through talented people, innovation, stewardship and teamwork."
This investment in the Palatka mill is in addition to news the company shared in May announcing final engineering and planning for additional structured paper machines and associated converting equipment at existing Georgia-Pacific facilities in the central and western portions of the U.S. Site selections for those projects have not yet been announced.
