MACON, Ga. — After five years in Macon, Irving Tissue is doubling down on their Macon operations.
As employees gathered for their 5th-anniversary celebration, Irving Tissue announced they will "expand their tissue operations" in a $600 million expansion project in Macon, creating another 100 high-paying jobs.
"We've had quite a positive history here," company president Robert Irving said.
Located at 1897 Allen Road, the factory has manufactured tissues here in Macon since 2017. While touting their business success, they said that the new investment would increase their capacity considerably.
"This facility still remains a key building block for our future success," Irving said.
The new investment is part of their phase three of their expansion. In 2019, the company announced additional investment and expansion.
This time around, the company will be adding 100 new jobs, bringing Irving Tissue's Macon workforce to 500 people.
"We're proud to invest here in Macon-Bibb County and we're proud to grow here in Georgia," Irving said.
The expansion will include a third "ThruAir Dry" paper-making machine, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's Office said in a statement. Additionally, they're building a fully automated warehouse here in Macon.
"A business succeeds because of the strength and its commitment of its people," Irving said of the employees at their Macon plant. "You share a common focus and are key to our growth."
The Commissioner of Georgia's Department of Economic Development, Pat Wilson, says the manufacturing sector is reaching new heights in Central Georgia.
"We've seen growth in a number of counties around Macon, but Macon in particular has been able to take advantage of a lot of this new opportunity and Irving (Tissue) paper is such a great example," Wilson said.
In the statement from the governor, Mayor Lester Miller says they are "proud to celebrate this milestone" with Irving Tissue.
“Irving has been more than just a business in Macon — they’ve been a true member of our team,” Miller said in the release. “They have a deep commitment to our community and its people, and their decision to expand here speaks volumes about the strong foundation they’ve built."
The expansion is expected to be complete by 2027, Irving said.