Construction is underway to expand the Dixie Plate Manufacturing Plant in Fort Smith. Georgia-Pacific announced it would invest $40 million into the project.
The plant currently employs 350 workers. Julie VanDeWater, spokesperson for Georgia-Pacific, said the company anticipates more hires; however, they do not have a specific number yet.
The new line is expected to be up and running next year, the company said in a news release Thursday (May 29).
“Georgia-Pacific already has invested more than $30 million since 2012,” Dixie Plant Director Larry Balch said. “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 expansion at the Fort Smith plant is part of more than $100 million in planned investments at other Georgia-Pacific facilities in Arkansas during 2014, according to a news release.
Georgia-Pacific is based in Atlanta and manufactures bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, and other products. Their brands include Quilted Northern, Angel Soft, Brawny, Dixie, and many others.
