Georgia-Pacific announced an investment of approximately $150 million to rebuild one of the paper machines at its Palatka, Florida, mill.

The investment is part of Georgia-Pacific's ongoing efforts to maintain and strengthen its current tissue production and enhance the long-term competitiveness of its consumer tissue business.

Work on the project has already begun and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2028.

The approximately US$150 million project will replace the mill’s Number Four paper machine, installed in 1980. The machine produces paper for Angel Soft® bath tissue, and the rebuild is intended to maintain existing production while expanding manufacturing capabilities.

The upgrade will incorporate modern technology and safety systems to improve safety, reliability, product quality and productivity.

“This investment demonstrates our confidence in Palatka and in the future of our consumer tissue business,” said Andrew Noble, president of Georgia-Pacific's consumer tissue, towel and napkins business.

“It allows us to modernize an important asset with today's technology while continuing to provide the quality products our customers and consumers expect.”

The Palatka mill makes Angel Soft^®, Quilted Northern^®, Brawny^® and Sparkle^®, popular consumer brands that are found in nearly 60 million U.S. households.

Vice President for Manufacturing at the Palatka mill, Vin Webster, stated, “This paper machine rebuild is an investment in Palatka's future. The rebuilt machine will help us better serve customers, apply technology more effectively and strengthen our position as an advantaged manufacturer.

“This project reflects Georgia-Pacific's vision of creating long-term value through talented people, innovation, stewardship and teamwork.”

The Palatka investment follows Georgia-Pacific’s May announcement that it had begun final engineering and planning for additional structured paper machines and associated converting equipment at existing facilities in the central and western US. The company has not yet announced the locations of those projects.

In recent years, Georgia-Pacific has also invested in paper machines and converting capacity at facilities in Alabama, Florida, Wisconsin, Louisiana and Oregon.

Palatka Mill

The mill is a strategic location for the company's consumer products business because of its integrated pulp supply, existing infrastructure, geographic location and converting capabilities. The investment leverages the site's existing infrastructure and converting assets, improves manufacturing capabilities and production and ensures employee safety.