Sofidel begins expansion of its Inola facility with a US$775 million investment
The project will increase the site's production capacity by more than 50%, strengthening Sofidel's ability to serve growing demand in the North American tissue market
Sofidel held a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of its integrated manufacturing facility in Inola, Oklahoma, officially marking the start of construction on one of the company’s largest investments in the United States.
The event was attended by Sofidel CEO Luigi Lazzareschi, Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, Inola Mayor Darlene Shear and other local authorities.
The project represents a total investment of US$775 million and includes the construction of a new building to house a 75,000-tonne-per-year Valmet Through-Air-Drying (TAD) tissue machine. The expansion also includes the installation of matching converting capacity, the enlargement of pulp and parent reel warehouses, and the construction of a fully automated finished goods warehouse with capacity for 100,000 pallet positions.
Overall, approximately one million square feet (90,000 square meters) of additional built area will be added to the site.
According to the company, start-up of the new machine is scheduled for the second quarter of 2028. Once completed, the Inola facility will increase its production capacity by more than 50%, exceeding 200,000 tonnes per year and becoming one of Sofidel’s largest manufacturing hubs worldwide.
Sofidel noted that the investment has been supported by long-standing collaboration with local institutions and communities, which have contributed to the development of the operation in Oklahoma.
The expansion forms part of the group’s growth strategy in the United States and coincides with Sofidel’s 60th anniversary. Through this investment, the company aims to strengthen its premium tissue product portfolio and meet growing demand across the North American market.
Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Porcari, Italy, Sofidel operates in 13 countries, employs more than 9,500 people and reported net sales of €4.018 billion in 2025, with an annual production capacity exceeding 2 million tonnes.
