Tripling Down? Canada’s Irving Tissue to Invest Another $600M in Macon

Canada’s Irving Consumer Products is set to invest another $600 million in Macon, the second major expansion of a tissue and paper towel factory that has turned into a massive vote of confidence in middle Georgia.

The company is set to hire 100 more people, adding to its total of 400.  Most of the investment will go toward a third production line that will boost capacity by the equivalent of 15 million cases of tissue by 33 percent to 45 million. 

After an announcement in 2017, the maker of Scotties, Royale and Majesta and store brands for many retailers set up shop in Macon with a $470 production million line in 2019, then quickly “doubled down” with another $400 million as it became evident that it would blow past sales goals in the U.S.

On its fifth anniversary, community leaders said the Canadian firm, based in the Atlantic province of New Brunswick, has become part of the fabric of the community at 1897 Allen Road in the Sofkee Industrial Park.

“They have a deep commitment to our community and its people, and their decision to expand here speaks volumes about the strong foundation they’ve built,” said Macon Mayor Lester Miller in a news release circulated by Gov. Brian Kemp’s office. 

Irving Tissue President Robert Irving said the expansion was possible thanks to its partnership with economic development leaders and the availability of skilled workers in the region. 

“Each expansion builds on the partnerships and collaboration that helped Irving Tissue fulfill its prior commitments to Macon-Bibb County, supported by the state’s business-friendly environment and world-class logistics infrastructure that will connect Irving’s Macon facility to markets across the East Coast,” said Pat Wilson, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. 

Mr. Irving, who joined Mr. Wilson and Macon-Bibb County Industrial Development Authority Chair Robert Fountain and others for a fifth anniversary ceremony, was quick to point out that the expansion would also benefit workers back home.

Irving’s mill in St. John supplies pulp for the Georgia factory, which in turn comes from trees harvested from the company’s 6 million forested acres under management. Since 1957, Irving has planted more than a billion trees.

“Our fully integrated value chain ensures certainty of supply, exceptional service, and quality, as well as sustainable products for our customers,” Mr. Irving said in the company’s own news release.

Find out about job openings at careers.jdirving.com.