Sofidel advances in the North American tissue market with billion-dollar acquisition
Strategic expansion strengthens the company's position as the fourth largest manufacturer in the sector in the region
Sofidel has consolidated its position in the North American tissue market by completing the US$1.06 billion acquisition of the tissue segment of Clearwater Paper Corp. Initially announced in July 2024, the deal received all the necessary regulatory approvals, making it the largest transaction in the company’s history.
With the merger, Sofidel takes over four production units previously operated by Clearwater Paper, located in Shelby (North Carolina), Lewiston (Idaho), Elwood (Illinois) and Las Vegas (Nevada). In addition, approximately 1,700 employees will be integrated into the company’s operations. The acquisition increases Sofidel’s production capacity by 25%, adding 340,000 metric tons per year to its production and reinforcing its leadership in the private label tissue segment.
One of the main impacts of the expansion is the diversification of Sofidel’s portfolio, driven by the addition of two air-drying paper machines (TAD), which will increase the efficiency and quality of the products. The addition of the new plants also improves the company’s geographical coverage, enabling it to provide more agile and efficient service to customers in the region.
In addition to this strategic move, Sofidel continues to invest in the growth of its existing facilities. In September 2023, the company announced an investment of US$185 million to expand the capacity of the Circleville, Ohio plant by 50%, which will become its largest global unit, reaching 200,000 tons per year. The company is also modernizing its Duluth, Minnesota plant, acquired from ST Paper in January, where it will install new converting lines and an automated warehouse.
Among the products strengthening Sofidel’s presence in the North American market are the Nicky Elite Ultra Soft Bath Tissue and Nicky Elite Paper Towels lines. Both items are manufactured in the United States with FSC certification and sustainable packaging, aligning quality and environmental responsibility.
The Nicky Elite paper towel combines resistance and absorbency for different uses, while the Nicky Elite Ultra Soft bath tissues offer softness and rapid dissolution, and are biodegradable and safe for septic systems. With this acquisition and continued investments, Sofidel reaffirms its growth and innovation trajectory in the tissue sector in North America.
