Georgia-Pacific to Invest $150 Million in Palatka Mill Paper Machine Rebuild

Georgia-Pacific will invest approximately $150 million to replace and modernize the Number Four paper machine at its Palatka, Florida, mill, with the project expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2028. The investment will support production of Angel Soft bath tissue while improving the mill’s safety, reliability, quality and productivity.

Work on the project has already begun. The existing paper machine was installed in 1980, and its replacement is intended to preserve current production while expanding the mill’s manufacturing capabilities through updated technology and safety systems.

“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. He said the project would modernize an important asset while maintaining the quality of products expected by customers and consumers.

The Palatka mill manufactures Angel Soft, Quilted Northern, Brawny and Sparkle products, which are available in nearly 60 million U.S. households. The site is a strategic location for Georgia-Pacific’s consumer products business because of its integrated pulp supply, existing infrastructure, geographic position and converting capabilities.

Vin Webster, vice president of manufacturing at the Palatka mill, said the rebuilt machine would help the facility serve customers, apply technology more effectively and strengthen its manufacturing position.

The investment follows Georgia-Pacific’s ongoing expansion and modernization efforts across its tissue business. In May, the company announced final engineering and planning for additional structured paper machines and associated converting equipment at existing facilities in the central and western United States. Locations for those projects have not yet been announced.

Recent tissue investments have also included projects in Naheola, Alabama; Palatka, Florida; Green Bay, Wisconsin; Port Hudson, Louisiana; and Halsey and Wauna, Oregon.

Most recently, Georgia-Pacific dedicated a rebuilt paper machine at its Wauna mill in Oregon following an investment of more than $150 million. The machine produces Angel Soft and strategic private-label bath tissue.