Alabama River mill getting $800M investment from Georgia-Pacific
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Georgia-Pacific has announced a new capital project for the company’s Alabama River Cullulose mill in the Perdue Hill community of Monroe County.
The $800 million investment is expected to modernize, expand and streamline the facility’s production capabilities. The project is scheduled to begin later this year and be completed in 2027.
“This transformational investment by Georgia-Pacific is a clear signal that Alabama remains a smart, strategic choice for advanced manufacturing. With these cutting-edge upgrades, the Alabama River Cellulose facility will become the most technologically advanced softwood pulp mill in the nation — right here in Monroe County. Georgia-Pacific’s continued commitment to innovation, sustainability and workforce development aligns perfectly with our goals for long-term economic growth.”
Ellen McNair, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce
The Alabama River Cellulose mill in Perdue Hill provides more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs to Monroe County, and $188 million in direct and indirect compensation and benefits.
Alabama River Cellulose Mill
Georgia-Pacific says the project will enhance and expand essential manufacturing equipment.
This is expected to augment the mill’s operational efficiency and increase its production capacity by about 300 tons per day. Close to one million tons of fluff and market pulps will be produced yearly at the mill.
Softwood fluff and market pulps are used to make vital consumer goods such as baby diapers, adult incontinence and feminine hygiene products, facial tissue, kitchen towels, paper cups and plates and more. Demand for softwood pulp products is projected to grow by 3% annually over the next several years, and Georgia-Pacific seeks to meet that need through its investments at Alabama River Cellulose.
Some of the upgrades include:
- A state-of-the-art digester
- New pulp dryer
- More efficient power boiler
- Upgraded brown stock washing and recausticizing systems
- Upgraded recovery boiler
- Upgraded evaporators
Once the project is completed, the Alabama River Cellulose mill will be the largest and one of the most technologically advanced softwood pulp mills in the U.S.
“Georgia-Pacific’s $800 million investment in its Alabama River Cellulose mill represents a powerful vote of confidence in our state’s workforce and business climate. This project not only strengthens one of Monroe County’s cornerstone employers, but it also ensures that Alabama will continue to play a leading role in supplying the materials that go into essential everyday products used around the world.”
Gov. Kay Ivey
Georgia-Pacific directly employs close to 2,400 employees and operates six facilities in Alabama, providing $238 million in direct wages and benefits.
As of this year, the economic impact of the company contributes to 9,060 additional indirect jobs, which translates to $710 million in labor income in the state. Georgia-Pacific has invested more than $2.5 billion in capital improvement projects and acquisitions within the state of Alabama over the past decade.
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