Georgia-Pacific completes US$550 million expansion at Green Bay facility
The investment included a new high-tech paper machine and automation upgrades, creating over 100 full-time jobs and boosting production of Brawny® and premium private label paper towels
Georgia-Pacific has announced the completion of a significant investment at its Green Bay Broadway Facility, marking the end of a nearly US$550 million expansion project. The development includes the installation of a new through-air-dried (TAD) paper machine and three converting lines, which will be used to produce Brawny® paper towels and other premium private label brands for the retail market.
The construction for this initiative began in July 2022 and serves to enhance Georgia-Pacific’s production capabilities. It supports both the company’s own retail towel brands and the growth of premium private label brands. A key feature of the project is the reduction of manual labor, or “touches”, in the production process. The new TAD paper machine, converting equipment, and related infrastructure have brought automation levels to approximately 85%, with technology-focused jobs managing this high level of automation throughout the production system.
“Today is an exciting day for Georgia-Pacific”, stated John Nundahl, vice president of manufacturing at Georgia-Pacific. “After more than two years, it is wonderful to see the results of this new investment in the form of more than 100 full-time jobs, enhanced levels of technology and automation, and production capabilities that will produce Brawny® paper towels and other premium private-label brands”.
The expansion has brought the number of full-time employees at the Broadway manufacturing facility to over 1,000. These employees are responsible for supporting the production of paper products for Georgia-Pacific’s away-from-home and retail business lines.
Since 2006, Georgia-Pacific has invested approximately US$1.2 billion in its Green Bay facilities, including the Broadway mill. These investments have focused on high-tech equipment and technology, incorporating the latest in automation, laser-guided vehicles, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to ensure safe and efficient operations. Across Wisconsin, Georgia-Pacific operates five facilities, providing nearly 2,000 direct jobs within the state.
