MONROEVILLE – GP Cellulose is investing approximately $80 million to add fluff capacity at its Alabama River mill. The project is being implemented in phases and on completion will increase the mill’s ability to produce fluff pulp.

The Alabama River mill operates two lines, one currently producing only paper pulp bales. The new investment will upgrade production by enabling the line to also produce fluff pulp rolls for absorbent hygiene products. The mill’s second line was upgraded to produce both paper pulp bales and fluff pulp rolls in 2011.

“This investment will enable GP Cellulose to address the increasing fluff pulp needs of our customers worldwide,” said Munir Abdallah, GP Cellulose president. “The completion of the project will add capability and flexibility to our system to meet a wider range of needs and position us to grow with our customers.”

Major aspects of the project are complete, including investments in the headbox and forming table. The final phase is underway now and includes infrastructure as well as winding and wrapping components. Plans call for the newly upgraded line to have the ability to produce fluff pulp in late 2023. Fluff pulp is used in a variety of products including baby diapers, feminine hygiene, adult incontinence and airlaid nonwovens.

The Alabama River mill directly employs approximately 470 people. According to a Troy University study, the economic impact of the mill contributes to 1,407 full- and part-time jobs, $103.6 million in labour income and $421.3 million in total economic impact.