GP to invest another $50M

Georgia Pacific is investing another $50 million in its Brewton location, officials confirmed Monday.

Julie VanDeWater, GP’s communication and public affairs manager, said the investment will provide for upgrades to one the site’s paper machines.

“This new technology will provide a higher quality sheet to better meet the needs of our customers and improve our competitive position within the market,” VanDeWater said.

Construction is expected to begin this fall and completed in November, she said.

To help offset some of the expenses, the company requested a 10-year tax abatement of state-related sales tax on construction-related transactions and some county ad valorem taxes. It would not affect educational taxes in Escambia County.

Monday, the Brewton City Council approved its part in the tax abatement process.

Broox Garrett, Brewton Development Authority chairman, said the project is a “good thing” for the community.

“It’s especially great for those who work out there because it’s job security, and any time a company invests in itself, it’s great for the community,” Garrett said.

The city’s support of the abatement is the first step in its overall approval. The request must now be approved by the Escambia County Commission.

This is the second large investment by GP in recent years. In 2016, the corporation began work on estimated $400 million energy investment that included a new boiler installation and centralized control room as well as other energy saving measures.

The Brewton GP plant produces two products – white top consumer board that is seen on items such as pizza boxes, and SBS, which is found as high-end cosmetic packaging. The plant employs more than 450 people.