Georgia-Pacific to add 50 jobs in Crossett with $90 million expansion

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) 181 views 

photo from Georgia-Pacific

Atlanta-based Georgia-Pacific will spend $90 million to expand its mill in Crossett, Ark., and add 50 jobs. The work is expected to be completed in 2025, according to a Monday (Dec. 9) press release from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC).

The company said the expansion will provide more capacity for its toilet paper business, specifically the company’s Angel Soft brand. When completed, Georgia-Pacific will have spent more than $250 million since 2019 to expand the Crossett facility. The plant now employs more than 400, according to the AEDC.

“This truly is an investment in our customers and consumers who appreciate the quality of our products,” Vivek Joshi, president of the retail tissue, towel, and napkin business for Georgia-Pacific, said in a statement “It is a clear indication of Georgia-Pacific’s focus on growing our premium tissue business and creating products that consumers value.”

In addition to the soft paper plant in Crossett, Georgia-Pacific has Arkansas operations in Fort Smith (former Dixie Cup plant), and lumber and plywood mills in Fordyce and Gurdon. The company reports that is has approximately 1,700 employees in Arkansas, pays $129 million annually in direct wages and benefits, and has invested $836 million in its Arkansas facilities since 2014.

“Georgia-Pacific is an international leader in the timber and forest products industry, and we are excited that they are investing $90 million to expand their facility in Arkansas. This is a major win for Crossett, creating 50 new jobs for Arkansans in the area, and shows that Southeast Arkansas is strong and well positioned for continued economic development success,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

Georgia-Pacific and its subsidiaries are among the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, cellulose and building products, according to the company. Georgia-Pacific operates more than 150 facilities and employs approximately 30,000 people directly and creates more than 80,000 jobs indirectly.