Georgia-Pacific, Atlanta, Ga., USA, this week announced plans to invest $37 million at its Gurdon, Ark., lumber operations to expand production capacity of the lumber mill by approximately 60% and position the facility for long-term success. Improvements at the lumber mill include the installation of a new continuous dry kiln and a state-of-the-art planer mill, along with related infrastructure improvements. Project completion is expected by the third quarter of 2015.

 

The company is also evaluating additional investments totaling approximately $20 million at the nearby Gurdon plywood mill that would increase the mill's efficiency and capacity, as well as further reduce air emissions.

 

G-P has eight facilities in Arkansas, five of which are part of the building products division. The company employs approximately 2,700 people directly in the state of Arkansas, with more than 665 people located at the Gurdon lumber and plywood operations. Total direct compensation and benefits for Arkansas employees is approximately $205 million, resulting in some $446 million in indirect wages and benefits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the photo are (l-r): City of Gurdon Mayor Clayton Franklin; Clark County Justice of the Peace (District 10) Sherry Kelley; Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance Chairman Eric Hughes; Georgia-Pacific Lumber Plant Manager Ryan Daniels; Clark County Judge Ron Daniell; and Arkadelphia Alliance President and CEO Stephen Bell.