Georgia-Pacific is studying plans to invest an estimated $55 million at its Gurdon, Ark., lumber and plywood operations, a move that positions the company for continued growth.
Steps required to complete the plans are in the final stages, which include an engineering analysis, infrastructure estimations, permitting requirements and internal approvals. The proposed investments would expand the production capacity of the lumber mill by approximately 60 percent.
Planned improvements at the lumber mill would include the installation of a new continuous dry kiln, the installation of a state-of-the-art planer mill, and upgrades of site infrastructure such as roads and buildings.
At the plywood mill, the company intends to increase the efficiency and capacity of a veneer dryer, as well as make enhancements to reduce emissions per the recent changes by the Environmental Protection Agency in their Clean Air Act standards. The plywood mill would see its annual dryer production capacity increase by 10 million square feet (3/8 inch basis).
“With the housing market continuing a slow and steady improvement, these investments will enable Georgia-Pacific to provide our current and future customers with the products they need as they continue to ramp up their operations,” said Mark Luetters, executive vice president for Georgia-Pacific building products. “We take a long-term approach to our building products business, and planning these investments demonstrates our commitment to the building products industry and the communities where we operate.”
From The Daily Siftings Herald: https://www.siftingsherald.com/article/20140605/NEWS/140609808/10054/NEWS