Georgia-Pacific completes $110 million log line modernization in Mississippi

Georgia-Pacific has completed a $110 million modernization project at its containerboard facility in Monticello, Mississippi, United States. The investment upgrades the mill’s log handling operations, reduces truck unloading times and reinforces the facility’s position in the industry. The project is one of the company’s largest investments at the Lawrence County site.

The log line includes weigh scales, cranes, a debarker, a chipper and other equipment used to unload trucks safely and prepare logs for processing into pulp. Among the main upgrades are two 35-ton radial cranes capable of unloading an entire truckload of logs in a single “bite.” According to the company, the new cranes halve unloading times compared with the equipment previously used at the facility.

Mill leaders recently marked the completion of the project at a celebration attended by local and state officials, including the Lawrence County Board of Supervisors, Monticello Mayor Justin Mullins, Rep. Vince Mangold, Sen. Jason Barrett and Lawrence County Community Development Association Director Stevie Yoas.

“The support of the local community and the hard work of our employees made this project possible,” Tony Brown, the mill’s general manager, said. “The improved truck unloading times will help loggers and allow us to process more logs into chips. This mutually beneficial relationship is key to our success.”

Yoas also highlighted the mill’s economic contribution to the region.

“Georgia-Pacific supports the communities where they operate, like right here in Lawrence County,” Yoas said. “The mill is a major economic driver. We are very appreciative of everything they do.”

With the new log line in operation, log trucks now access the facility via GP Road and Cytex Road, northeast of the mill, rather than through the main entrance on NA Sandifer Highway.