MUSKOGEE, Oklahoma (From the Wagner Tribune) -- Georgia-Pacific is upgrading its Muskogee bath tissue and towel manufacturing operations, and The Muskogee City-County Port Authority is supporting that effort through the Strategic Investment Program (SIP). The Port Authority approved a SIP incentive application connected to the mill's planned investments across its operations.

The Muskogee mill has both approved and proposed investments of more than $130 million during the next three years to improve all aspects of its operations. The investment will help the mill meet both existing and projected demand for its tissue, towel and napkin products, as well as help improve employee safety, environmental performance, reliability and quality. For example, one of the current projects at the mill is the installation of new bath tissue converting equipment - a $15 million investment to serve customers in the away-from-home market.

"These types of investments help us to be a more competitive business and ensure that we remain a valued employer in Muskogee," said Rodney Bond, vice president - manufacturing for Georgia-Pacific's Muskogee mill, in a media release. "We appreciate the support that the community provides us. In particular, we appreciate the business relationship that we have with the Muskogee City-County Port Authority and the City of Muskogee."

The Muskogee City-County Port Authority Strategic Investment Program, funded by a $3 million grant from the City of Muskogee Foundation, allows the Port to consider incentive awards to companies with qualifying job creation and/or qualifying investment in new or expanded facilities. The Muskogee mill's application falls under the latter category of expanding facilities.

"We are always pleased when an existing industry makes the decision to reinvest in Muskogee, and are delighted to be able to support Georgia-Pacific's Muskogee facility's continued growth and vitality, through our performance based, Strategic Investment Program. Georgia-Pacific is a corporate and civic stalwart in Muskogee and we are delighted to have them in our community," said Eric Miller, director of business and economic development for the Port of Muskogee, in the release. "Georgia-Pacific's expansion is yet another great example of the symbiotic bond forged between our existing industries, the Port of Muskogee's Business and Economic Development team and the Muskogee community. It reinforces that which we already know to be true...Muskogee is a great place for business!"

Georgia-Pacific's Muskogee mill employs more than 900 people, making it the largest private employer in the city. The mill makes bath tissue, paper towels and napkins for both retail and away-from-home markets, including such well-known consumer brands as Sparkle® and Mardi Gras®. The 900+ direct jobs at the Muskogee mill create an additional 3,000 jobs indirectly. Total annual compensation and benefits at the mill is approximately $75 million.