Georgia-Pacific to Expand Plate Manufacturing Plant

Georgia-Pacific recently announced plans to invest nearly $40 million in new technology and equipment to expand its plate manufacturing capability at its Dixie facility in Fort Smith, Ark. Construction is already in progress, and the new line is expected to start up in 2015.

"Georgia-Pacific already has invested more than $30 million since 2012," said Larry Balch, Dixie plant director. "This latest investment will further modernize the plant and improve its long-term competitiveness in plate manufacturing while meeting the growing demands of our consumers and customers. We appreciate all the support we have received from our local and state economic development partners in making this investment a reality."

The investment at the Fort Smith plant is part of more than $100 million of planned investments at other Georgia-Pacific facilities in Arkansas during 2014. It also is the latest in a long history of investments in the state by Georgia-Pacific and other Koch companies.

With this expansion completed, the Fort Smith plant is expected to employ more than 350 people. In Arkansas, Georgia-Pacific facilities employ more than 2,400 people with total annual compensation and benefits of approximately $179 million.

"Georgia-Pacific has been an outstanding corporate citizen in Fort Smith since the facility was built in 1948," said Tim Allen, CEO and president of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. "This expansion illustrates their commitment to Fort Smith for many years to come."

For more information, visit www.gp.com.