Irving Consumer Products broke ground on the construction of their new $400 million state-of-the-art tissue plant in Macon, Georgia at an event at the site of their future home. Joined by Mayor Robert Reichert and Charlie Gatlin, Special Projects Advisor for Georgia Department of Economic Development, President Robert K. Irving acknowledged the next step in the construction of the new facility.
 
“We’re excited to begin construction on this new plant. The plant will create over 200 permanent, skilled jobs and allow us to continue to meet our customers’ growing demands,” said Robert K. Irving, President of Irving Consumer Products. “Our new, state-of-the-art plant will produce ultra-premium quality household paper products including soft bath tissue and high-quality paper towels that are both strong and absorbent.”
 
“It's a great day in Georgia when we get to celebrate a ground-breaking event,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Deputy Commissioner Tom Croteau. “We are excited that Irving Consumer Products chose Macon to expand their North American footprint, and are confident that they will find success here in Georgia.”
 
Following the ground breaking, Irving Consumer Products hosted a community BBQ in Rosa Parks Square to recognize first responders for their efforts during the recent tropical storm. The company also contributed $30,000 to local relief efforts. The American Red Cross of Central Midwest Georgia and Salvation Army of Central Georgia each received a check for $15,000 for disaster response and relief efforts in Macon-Bibb County.
 
“We are proud to call Macon our new home and want to be a good neighbor. Neighbors support each other and we wanted to thank first responders for their tireless efforts during Tropical Storm Irma,” said Mr. Irving.
 
“I’m thrilled that Irving Consumer Products is already breaking ground on their new, state-of-the-art plant in the Sofkee Industrial Park. When we first met the people from Irving, I was amazed at their family atmosphere and values, and I knew they would be a great fit for our community,” says Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert. “I am inspired and encouraged by their show of support for our emergency responders and know they will continue to be a great partner for many years to come."
 
Construction will be completed in 2019 and is estimated to provide 1,000,000 person hours of work. At the height of construction, more than 540 people will be working on-site.
 
In November 2016, Irving Consumer Products announced the purchase of a new ThruAir Dry machine. In August 2017 the company selected Macon, Georgia as the site for their new plant. The new plant will double the company’s ThruAir Dry capacity, increasing it by 75,000 tonnes, the equivalent of 15 million cases.