Georgia-Pacific To Invest $37 Million In Gurdon Lumber Mill
by October 16, 2014 2:47 pm 117 views
Georgia-Pacific announced it would invest $37 million at its Gurdon, Ark., lumber operations on Thursday (Oct. 16).
The Atlanta-based conglomerate said the new investment would expand the production capacity of its Gurdon lumber mill by approximately 60% and position the facility for long-term success.
Improvements include the installation of a new continuous dry kiln and a state-of-the-art planer mill, along with related infrastructure improvements.
Project completion is expected by the third quarter of 2015.
“As the housing market continues a slow, but steady improvement, our plans to invest at Gurdon ensure our ability to meet the growing needs of our customers and become their lumber supplier of choice,” said Fritz Mason, vice president and general manager for Georgia-Pacific’s lumber business. “This is an opportunity to broaden our product offerings, enhance quality and improve our cost competitiveness.”
The company is also evaluating additional investments, totaling approximately $20 million, at the nearby Gurdon plywood mill that would increase the mill’s efficiency and capacity, as well as further reduce air emissions.
“Georgia-Pacific is among the top three largest manufacturing employers in Arkansas,” said Grant Tennille, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “This significant expansion investment in Gurdon confirms Georgia-Pacific’s commitment to doing business in Arkansas and is a testament to the company’s confidence in the local workforce.”
Georgia‑Pacific has eight facilities in Arkansas, five of which are part of the building products division.
The company employs approximately 2,700 people directly in the state of Arkansas, with approximately 630 people located at the Gurdon operations.