Georgia-Pacific completes USD 150m rebuild of Wauna mill paper machine
Georgia-Pacific has completed a USD 150m rebuild of the No. 1 paper machine at its Wauna mill in Clatsop County, Oregon, marking the project with a rededication ceremony on 17 September 2026. The rebuilt machine, which makes Vanity Fair napkins, Angel Soft toilet paper and private-label tissue, restarted output on 5 June 2026 after the prior machine's last run on 5 March 2026, following construction that began in June 2025.
Why this mattersThe outlay confirms continued US tissue and towel capacity investment at a mill of over 800 staff even as some rivals pull back from paper.
- Project cost USD 150m, centred on the mill's No. 1 Paper Machine
- Old machine ran last on 5 March 2026; rebuilt line produced first reels on 5 June 2026
- Construction began June 2025 and used over 400,000 labour hours, 500 yards of concrete, 200 tons of structural steel and 70 miles of new wiring
- Rededication and ribbon-cutting held 17 September 2026
- No. 1 machine has run at Wauna since 1965, making Vanity Fair, Angel Soft and private-label tissue and towel products
- Wauna mill employs over 800 people in Clatsop County, Oregon; project also covered roll-handling upgrades on the No. 2 machine and building infrastructure
- Andrew Noble, president of Georgia-Pacific North American Consumer Products, spoke at the dedication ceremony.
- Wauna Mill Manager Keith Seal said the investment reflects confidence in the mill and its workforce.