Georgia-Pacific completes $150 million rebuild of Wauna Mill paper machine
Project included the overhaul of the No. 1 Paper Machine, which produces toilet paper, napkins and private-label products, as well as upgrades to other equipment and infrastructure
Georgia-Pacific has completed a $150 million investment project at its Wauna Mill in Oregon, United States, following the full rebuild of its No. 1 Paper Machine after three months of downtime. Hundreds of mill employees, local public officials and company representatives attended a rededication ceremony and ribbon-cutting event on Thursday, September 17, to mark the completion of the project.
Located in Clatsop County, the Wauna Mill is one of the county’s largest employers, with more than 800 employees. According to Wauna Public Affairs Manager Kristi Ward, the investment also included the replacement of roll-handling equipment for the No. 2 Paper Machine and upgrades to the facility’s infrastructure.
Work on the project began in June 2025, with the rebuilt No. 1 Paper Machine marking its completion on June 5, 2026. According to a Georgia-Pacific press release, the machine produces Vanity Fair napkins, Angel Soft toilet paper and several other private-label products.
“There’s a lot of paper mills facing difficult challenges,” said Keith Seal, vice president of manufacturing and mill manager, “but here at Wauna we’re here celebrating that G.P. chose to make an investment in this facility.”
Seal noted that several generations of employees have worked on the No. 1 Paper Machine during its more than 60 years of operation. The equipment began producing paper in 1965.
He also highlighted the significance of the investment for the company and its employees.
“Most people in our industry go entire careers without seeing an investment of that size,” Seal said, “and for all of us who have the blessing to come (to) Wauna every day, that’s a once in a career opportunity.”
The original machine produced its final paper on March 5, 2026. Three months later, the first paper reels came off the rebuilt equipment.
“It’s hard to describe the pride and excitement that comes with a moment like that,” said Paul Knoke, superintendent of the No. 1 and No. 2 paper machines, which operate side by side in the same building.
According to Knoke, the rebuild required more than 400,000 labor hours, the pouring of over 500 cubic yards of concrete, the installation of 200 tons of structural steel and more than 70 miles of new wiring.
He said he was particularly proud that the construction was completed safely, while also emphasizing the operational improvements expected from the rebuilt machine.
“This new machine is safer, its more efficient, it will be more reliable, and it will produce better paper,” Knoke said.
Clatsop County Commissioner Courtney Bangs, who is running for the Oregon State Senate in District 16, also attended the rededication and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Although the project does not create new production-line jobs, Bangs said the investment represents another aspect of economic development: supporting existing businesses and the families that depend on them.
“Today is about more than celebrating a $150 million investment. It is families, it’s the people, it’s the future of our community,” said Bangs. “For Clatsop County, this investment matters.”
Following the ceremony, attendees were invited to tour the facility and see the rebuilt machine, which occupies nearly the entire length of the production floor, approximately the length of a football field.
