Georgia-Pacific to invest US$ 150 million in paper machine replacement at Florida mill
The project at the Palatka facility will replace 46-year-old equipment used to produce Angel Soft toilet paper, with completion expected in the second quarter of 2028
Georgia-Pacific plans to invest approximately US$ 150 million to replace a 46-year-old paper machine at its Palatka mill in Florida. The company announced the project on Tuesday, saying the investment is intended to support the facility’s long-term operations and improve manufacturing performance.
The project will replace equipment used to manufacture Angel Soft toilet paper and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2028.
Although the investment is not expected to directly create permanent jobs, Georgia-Pacific said it will help secure the mill’s future. The facility currently employs 1,032 people, and construction is expected to bring additional contractors to the area, although the company has not provided an estimate of how many.
EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT AND OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS
The project will involve dismantling the No. 4 paper machine, originally installed in 1980, while retaining part of the existing infrastructure.
“In essence it will be a new machine in the location of the original 1980-vintage machine,” the company said.
The machine will be shut down during the replacement process. Georgia-Pacific has not disclosed the expected duration of the shutdown, how employees will be assigned during the period or whether automation will affect staffing levels.
According to the company, the new equipment is expected to enhance workplace safety, reduce operational issues, improve product quality and increase production performance.
“This investment demonstrates our confidence in Palatka and in the future of our consumer tissue business,” Andrew Noble, president of Georgia-Pacific’s consumer tissue, towel and napkins business, said in a news release.
PALATKA MILL’S STRATEGIC ROLE
Georgia-Pacific said Palatka was selected for the investment because the mill already has access to pulp supplies, established infrastructure and equipment for converting paper into finished products. Its geographic location was also a factor in the decision.
In addition to Angel Soft toilet paper, the facility produces Quilted Northern toilet paper and Brawny and Sparkle paper towels.
“This paper machine rebuild is an investment in Palatka’s future,” Vin Webster, the mill’s vice president for manufacturing, said in the release.
The project also received support from local economic development representatives. Sara Maxfield, vice president of economic development for the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, said the investment reflects confidence in the local workforce and community.
“Georgia-Pacific had choices about where to invest, and we’re proud they chose to make this commitment here,” Maxfield said in the release.
The planned upgrade follows similar investments at other Georgia-Pacific facilities. The company recently completed a paper machine rebuild costing more than US$ 150 million at its Wauna mill in Oregon, which also produces Angel Soft and private-label toilet paper.
