New Alabama Lumber Facility to Start Running by late 2018

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Georgia-Pacific, one of the world's leading makers of tissue, pulp, paper, packaging, building products and related chemicals has announced its decision to construct a new lumber manufacturing facility in Talladega, Alabama. The construction works of the state-of-the-art plant is expected to commence immediately. Georgia Pacific estimates the plant to start production by late 2018.

The company plans to invest around $100 million in building the 300,000 square feet plant, which will have most modern equipment to ensure high efficiency and throughput. The plant will be located at the company’s former plywood plant that shuttered operations in 2008.

During the construction phase, the project is expected to generate employment to around 120 people per day and generate economic impact of approximately $26 million on the city and county. Upon becoming fully operational, the plant will provide nearly 100 full-time jobs at an estimated annual payroll of $5 million. Initially, the plant will have capacity to produce 230 million board-feet of lumber per year, which will later be upgraded to 230 million board-feet of lumber per year, said company press release.

Fritz Mason, vice president and general manager, Georgia-Pacific Lumber noted that Talladega is an ideal location for the new facility on account of the immense talent and natural resources in its vicinity. He thanked the City of Talladega, Talladega County, and the State of Alabama for the incredible support extended to the new venture. The company seeks long-term relationships with all the entities, he added. Further, Mason stated that the company is currently evaluating similar investment opportunities in Georgia, Texas and Mississippi on the back of improved lumber demand from housing sector.

Meantime, Governor Kay Ivey expressed the hope that the multi-million dollar investment by Georgia-Pacific will bring good jobs and improved opportunities to its citizens. The new lumber manufacturing facility will also benefit timber owners in the region, Ivey said. The continued interest by Georgia-Pacific, which already has strong presence in the state, testifies Alabama’s business-friendly attitude. The seven of the company’s existing Alabama facilities employ nearly 2,300 full-time workers and provide around 8,600 indirect jobs. Georgia-Pacific has invested in excess of $1 billion in the state over the past five years, Ivey noted.