A Canadian paper goods company said Wednesday it will build a new $400 million tissue plant in Macon. Irving Consumer Products, maker of Scotties tissues, Majesta toilet paper and a number of store-branded paper products, plans to hire 200 at the new complex. Construction is expected to start this summer, a news release from Gov. Nathan Deal’s office said, with completion expected in 2019.
Irving is a subsidiary of Canadian conglomerate J.D. Irving Ltd., which founded in 1882 and has business in agriculture, construction, forest products, food and shipbuilding.
“Selecting Macon for our new facility provides us with an opportunity to establish a footprint in a region that has proven itself as being a strong supporter of business,” Robert K. Irving, president of Irving Consumer Products, said in the news release. “It will allow us to reach key markets, and will help to continue to drive our growth. This expansion is possible because of the commitment of our employees, customers and suppliers. It is their support that has allowed us to grow and expand.”
Deal was joined by U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross for the announcement at Macon’s historic Terminal Station.
In April, the Commerce Department announced tariffs against Canadian softwood lumber imports. The tariffs stemmed from a case filed by U.S. competitors who argued that Canadian companies benefited from what amounted to a subsidy for growing timber on public land. One of the companies hit by the tariffs was J.D. Irving, though the duty on Irving was on the lower range of the scale.
From AJC.com: https://www.ajc.com/business/canadian-giant-irving-plans-paper-plant-georgia-200-jobs/WbhnPhUcK67QIdmUHccsPJ/