WISCONSIN (From the Journal Sentinel) -- Little Rapids Corp., of Green Bay, says it's spending $40 million on tissue-making technology at its Shawano Paper Mill in Shawano.

The company says the project will increase the mill's output by 40% and it will enhance product quality and expand the mill's capabilities.

Construction will begin this summer, with completion expected in the fall of 2017.

"At a time when there is little good news coming out of the paper industry, we are very happy to be able to announce this project," said Little Rapids CEO Kirk Ryan. "This is a very positive, strategic expansion of capacity as we look to the future."

Founded in 1947, Little Rapids is a manufacturer of products for the health care, beauty, packaging, and specialty paper markets. The family-owned business employs 435 people and has facilities in Green Bay and Shawano.