Georgia-Pacific will invest $500 million in a new paper machine and paper converting equipment at its paper mill in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The project is expected to create roughly 150 jobs.

According to company officials, the investments will greatly enhance the company’s retail consumer tissue and towel business. Engineering and related work is beginning immediately, with startup of the new machine scheduled for the first half of 2024.

“This truly is an investment in our customers and consumers who value the quality of our products,” said Christian Fischer, Georgia-Pacific president and CEO. “We appreciate the local community, Brown County, state officials and all of our employees’ hard work and efforts to continue making our Green Bay Broadway mill more competitive for the long-term.”

The improvements will allow expansion of Georgia-Pacific’s own premium brands as well as supporting the growth of current and potential customers’ premium private label brands, company officials explained. The Green Bay Broadway mill currently operates seven paper machines and several converting operations to make bath tissue, paper towels, napkins and facial tissue for both retail and away-from-home uses.

“This significant investment demonstrates our commitment to Georgia-Pacific’s consumer business, our hard-working teams and our current and potential customers,” said Fernando Gonzalez, president, Georgia-Pacific Consumer Business. “It also allows us to further leverage the many advantages we have, including our breadth of offerings, excellence in manufacturing operations, commitment to quality and focus on research and development to create products that consumers value.”

Capital investment at all of Georgia-Pacific’s Green Bay facilities have totaled more than $700 million since 2006. The company operates seven facilities and employs nearly 2,100 people in Wisconsin.