Kimberly-Clark Invests in Energy Efficiency at Mobile, Ala., Mill

Kimberly-Clark Corp., Dallas, Texas, USA, has approved an investment of $75 million for construction of a new on-site combined heat-power plant at its tissue mill in Mobile, Ala. This plant, to be constructed over a two-year period, is expected to improve the facility's long-term energy efficiency and costs, as well as boost its overall competitiveness within Kimberly-Clark.

"The Mobile team is excited about the role this state-of-the-art energy supply will play in strengthening our position as a strategic manufacturing site for Kimberly-Clark, and as an employer of choice in southwest Alabama," said Todd Visscher, mill manager for Kimberly-Clark's Mobile operations. "The investment in highly efficient energy technologies will improve our outlook for long-term operations at the site."

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson noted that "Kimberly-Clark has been an outstanding partner to our community for many years. We are pleased to support them in making this major investment in the City of Mobile, which will enhance the competitiveness of some of the most skilled workers in America. Mobile is open for business, and it's a great time to invest in Mobile."  

The investment is guided by Kimberly-Clark's Sustainability 2022 strategy to reduce emissions and costs through energy efficiency projects across our operations. 

"Energy projects like the one in Mobile contribute to our vision for sustainability while creating value for our business," said Lisa Morden, director of Global Sustainability for Kimberly-Clark. "Our overarching goal is to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 20% over 2005 levels by Kimberly-Clark's 150th anniversary in 2022."

Currently, the Mobile Mill employs a highly-skilled workforce of more than 600, and produces bath tissue and paper towels under the Scott, Cottonelle, and K-C Professional brand names. The new on-site energy plant is expected to be in operation during the first quarter of 2019.

 

 

"Kimberly-Clark has long been an integral part of Mobile's manufacturing base. Their continued growth and investment in Mobile is evidence of their commitment to the region and to Mobile's business climate," said Troy Wayman, the Mobile Area Chamber's VP of economic development. "We are excited for Kimberly-Clark's expansion and their continuous success."

Mobile County Commission President Merceria Ludgood said that "we are thrilled about the expansion of the Kimberly-Clark Mobile Mil. We are fortunate to have a long-standing relationship with the company, which has been a great corporate citizen for decades. This $75 million investment in our area solidifies its commitment to Mobile County."

The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce is a private business organization with more than 2,100 members. The Chamber is the economic developer of record for the city of Mobile and Mobile County. During the past decade, Mobile's economic development efforts have garnered $8.47 billion in capital investment and added 15,771 jobs with an average salary of $45,824, including 35 new businesses recruited and 75 expansions made at existing area companies.