In a significant move for the local economy, Irving Tissue, a prominent Canadian paper company, announced on Nov. 21 that it will invest $600 million to expand its production capabilities at its paper mill located in Macon, Georgia. This expansion is set to create 100 new jobs, further enhancing employment opportunities in the region.
Why the expansion is necessary
Marc Doucette, the vice president of communications for Irving Tissue, explained that the expansion is essential due to the plant reaching its maximum production capacity. “We’ve had tremendous success in Macon, and with the plant currently sold out, this is the right plant for the expansion,” Doucette stated in an email to the Associated Press.
Details of the expansion
The expansion plan includes the construction of an automated warehouse and new converting lines that will facilitate the conversion of tissue into various paper products. The wood pulp required for the additional paper machine will be sourced from the company’s existing paper mill in Saint John, New Brunswick.
According to the timeline provided by the company, the new warehouse is expected to be operational by 2026, while the completion of the new paper machine is scheduled for 2027. Currently, the Macon plant produces 165,000 tons of tissue annually, but this figure is projected to rise to 248,000 tons once the expansion is fully realized.
Impact on the local community
Macon, Georgia, is home to a diverse population, with approximately 54 percent identifying as Black. As of 2019, the average income in Macon-Bibb County was reported to be $41,334. The new jobs created by Irving Tissue will offer competitive wages, with factory workers earning between $22 and over $30 per hour. This translates to annual salaries ranging from approximately $45,760 to over $62,400 for the highest earners.
Tax incentives and economic benefits
The state of Georgia has a tax credit system that could allow Irving Tissue to earn up to $2 million in state income tax credits. For every worker earning over $35,600 annually, the company could potentially receive up to $4,000 per position over the next five years in tax credits. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding property tax breaks and other financial incentives to support the expansion.
Statements from leadership
Robert K. Irving, the company’s president, expressed optimism about the expansion in a press release, stating, “I am very pleased to announce our Phase 3 expansion at Irving Tissue Macon. The $600 million investment will add another 100 jobs and include a third ThruAir Dry paper-making machine, additional converting lines and a new fully automated warehouse.”
Irving emphasized the broader implications of this investment, highlighting that it would not only benefit the Macon facility but also support growth in their home region of the northeast, including Maine and New Brunswick. He noted, “Our fully integrated value chain ensures certainty of supply, exceptional service and quality, as well as sustainable products for our customers. We are proud of the fact we have planted over one billion trees since 1957, and these trees are now providing us with the opportunity for growth across our value chain, including in our sawmills, pulp mill and tissue manufacturing plants like Macon.”
The $600 million investment by Irving Tissue in Macon, Georgia, represents a significant boost for the local economy, promising new jobs and increased production capacity. As the company moves forward with its expansion plans, the community can look forward to the positive economic impact this development will bring.
