After nearly two decades of strategic investment and modernization, Georgia-Pacific’s Brewton Containerboard Mill in Alabama has emerged as a national benchmark for innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Acquired in 2007 for $355 million, the mill once struggled with aging infrastructure and outdated equipment, including boilers dating back to the 1950s. But with close to $1 billion invested in upgrades, the Brewton facility has undergone a dramatic transformation—culminating in the completion of its most recent upgrade in 2025.
“This is about more than just modernization—it’s about pride, culture, and resilience,” said Rhett Williams, Engineering Project Manager. “Our team never stopped believing in what this mill could become.”
The site now features cutting-edge systems such as lime kilns, liquor clarifiers, and stabilization tanks, contributing to improved safety, efficiency, and environmental performance. It has also earned ENERGY STAR® Certification four years in a row—the first integrated paper mill in the U.S. to do so.
With over 400 employees, the Brewton mill is a fully integrated operation, producing containerboard used in everyday products like corrugated boxes and paper plates. Beyond the machinery, Georgia-Pacific credits the workforce for its success, pointing to a deeply rooted culture of collaboration, challenge, and continuous improvement.
“Sustainability isn’t a slogan here—it’s a shared mission,” said Travis Stacey, Pulp & Woodyard Manufacturing Leader. “We’re focused on long-term value for our community, our employees, and the environment.”
Public Affairs Manager Julie VanDeWater echoed that sentiment: “What this team has accomplished is nothing short of inspiring. The transformation is real—and ongoing.”
The Brewton mill’s journey, once marked by uncertainty, now stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when innovation and people come together.
Georgia-Pacific is a leading manufacturer of tissue, pulp, packaging, and building products, with a strong presence in North America and operations worldwide. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company runs more than 150 facilities and employs tens of thousands of people. Georgia-Pacific is known for trusted consumer brands such as Angel Soft®, Quilted Northern®, and Dixie®, and is committed to innovation, sustainability, and delivering high-quality products that serve both consumer and commercial markets.
