Georgia-Pacific Completes $100 Million Expansion of Bowling Green Dixie Facility
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Georgia-Pacific announced the completion of a $100 million expansion at its Dixie manufacturing facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The plant produces Dixie paper plates and bowls in varying sizes.
The 18-month expansion project included a new printer, additional plate-forming presses and an 80,000 square-foot operations building, all designed to help meet customer demand in a growing and competitive market. The investment resulted in the creation of more than 70 full-time jobs, increasing total employment at the plant to more than 200 people.
To celebrate the start-up of the new operations area while also maintaining effective COVID-19 distancing and safety protocol, Georgia-Pacific hosted a virtual ribbon cutting event with local employees and community leaders.
"This investment is about our customers and consumers, and I am incredibly proud of our Bowling Green team and excited about this growth and expansion," said David Duncan, executive vice president for Georgia-Pacific's Consumer Products Group. "Demand is strong and growing for our Dixie plates and bowls, and this expansion will allow us to produce more of those products that are valued for their unique combination of convenience and performance."
Bowling Green is one of two facilities Georgia-Pacific operates in Kentucky. The second is a Dixie facility in Lexington that produces cups. Statewide, the company employs nearly 500 people directly, pays $29 million in direct wages and benefits and creates approximately 1,000 indirect jobs.
Since 2013, the company has invested more than $200 million in its Kentucky operations.
"I'm proud to celebrate this significant investment and what it means for job growth, wages and economic health in one of Kentucky's great cities," Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said. "Georgia-Pacific is a significant employer in the Commonwealth and is helping us sprint forward as we mark the completion of this nearly $100 million project. Thank you, and congratulations to Georgia-Pacific, Bowling Green and Warren County for this great addition to Kentucky's proud manufacturing sector and our state's economy."
Originally built in 1991, the Bowling Green plant has seen several expansions in its nearly 30 years. Production at the facility represents approximately one quarter of all paper plates and bowls produced by Georgia-Pacific. The Dixie product line includes a variety of premium, disposable paper plates, bowls, cups and cutlery.
