Georgia-Pacific announced today that it is expanding operations in Dudley, Wayne County, NC. This expansion, part of a multi-phase approach to increase the mill’s lumber production capacity and supporting infrastructure, will lead to the creation of 20 new jobs and approximately $9 million investment. Georgia-Pacific currently employs more than 500 people at its Dudley wood products facility. Salaries will vary by job function, but the average salary for the new positions will be approximately $55,000, plus benefits, which exceeds the average annual wage of $33,289 in Wayne County.
Georgia-Pacific announced today that it is expanding operations in Dudley, Wayne County, NC. This expansion, part of a multi-phase approach to increase the mill’s lumber production capacity and supporting infrastructure, will lead to the creation of 20 new jobs and approximately $9 million investment. Georgia-Pacific currently employs more than 500 people at its Dudley wood products facility. Salaries will vary by job function, but the average salary for the new positions will be approximately $55,000, plus benefits, which exceeds the average annual wage of $33,289 in Wayne County.
In addition to the $9 million expansion announced today, Georgia-Pacific is currently conducting engineering analysis, infrastructure evaluation and permitting studies for additional capital investments under consideration for the mill which could total up to $90 million. Over a five year period, the County of Wayne has agreed to grant back to Georgia-Pacific a portion of the property taxes for expansion efforts at the Dudley facility. If all the investments are made, the total grant back would be approximately $800,000.
Georgia-Pacific’s expansion addresses the growing demand for building materials across North America. The Dudley plant has been operational in Wayne County since 1973 and produces lumber and plywood. The new jobs to be created include machine operators, skilled craftsmen, managers and engineers.
Georgia-Pacific is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of building products, tissue, packaging, paper, cellulose and related chemicals. The company employs approximately 35,000 people worldwide. It is an independently operated and managed company of Koch Industries.
Mike Haney, VP/Existing Industry Specialist with the Wayne County Development Alliance, stated, “We have watched Georgia-Pacific grow their operations in Wayne County for some time now. They have been a great corporate citizen and we value them not only because of what the do but because of who they are.”
Neal Benton, Chairman of the Wayne County Development Alliance stated, “Georgia-Pacific’s commitment to Wayne County is a testament to the relationship that exists between their leadership, the Development Alliance, and the County of Wayne.”