Georgia-Pacific Invests $83 Million in Palatka Mill Expansion

PALATKA, Fla., April 28, 2025 – Georgia-Pacific announced plans today to construct a 400,000-square-foot warehouse at its Palatka mill, a move that underscores the company’s commitment to regional expansion. The $83 million investment aims to enhance operational efficiency, integrate advanced technologies, and elevate customer service.
 
The project will create 20 new jobs and enhance product storage and shipping capabilities for retailers. This initiative follows a decade of significant investments in the mill, including the installation of a new paper machine, converting lines, and various other upgrades.
 
“We’re excited to launch this project, which will enhance our operations and help us better serve our customers. This also demonstrates our commitment to innovation and excellence,” said Vin Webster, vice president of manufacturing at the Palatka mill. “This expansion and investment in Putnam County will positively impact the entire region.”
 
Mark Litten, vice president of economic development at the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the project's transformative impact on local infrastructure and job creation. “This warehouse is more than just a building; it represents a substantial investment in our community. The creation of new jobs and improved infrastructure will attract further investments and unlock new opportunities for our region,” Litten said.
 
The warehouse project will be completed in two phases. Phase 1 involves constructing a new trailer yard to accommodate 500 truck trailers, featuring a dedicated entrance from County Road 216 to alleviate traffic congestion.
 
Once Phase 1 is completed, Phase 2 will begin with the construction of the new warehouse. The state-of-the-art facility will replace the existing trailer yard and connect to the current warehouse. It will feature advanced automation technologies, such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and an automated trailer entry and exit system at the gates, to streamline operations. Additionally, vertical dock levelers will be employed to enhance safety and reduce foot traffic outside the building.
 
Site work for the new trailer yard is scheduled to begin in May, while construction of the warehouse will start in February and is expected to take about one year to complete.
 
About Georgia-Pacific Palatka
Based in Atlanta, 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, specialty fibers and building products. The Palatka mill, the largest private employer in Putnam County, plays a vital role in the local economy by providing employment to over 1,000 individuals and generating an additional 2,426 indirect jobs within the community. The mill produces well-known consumer brands such as Brawny®, Sparkle®, Angel Soft®, as well as private label paper towels and bath tissue. The mill also manufactures kraft paper used for recyclable mailers, grocery bags, butcher paper, and linerboard used in producing corrugated boxes.
 
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