International paper to increase Selma mill investment to $522M

SELMA, Ala. — Inter- national Paper, a Ten- nessee-based company, is investing millions more into a mill in cen- tral Alabama.

AL.com reported the pulp and paper com- pany plans to invest $552.7 million in its Riverdale Mill to boost productivity. The com- pany, located in Mem- phis, planned a $300 million conversion of its No. 15 paper machine at the mill.

The initial con- version would have allowed the mill to pro- duce high quality white- top linerboard and containerboard, adding 450,000 tons of annu- al capacity. With the additional investment, the mill will convert a line making uncoat- ed freesheet, or copy paper, to linerboard and containerboard.

The products are important to the pack- ing industry, the company said.

“This project is another indication of International Paper’s strong commitment to its Riverdale Mill and its workforce there,” Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield said. “It’s a great example of a company preserving its investment in a facility, and the jobs there, by pivoting output from one product to another that is in greater demand.”

Dallas County Economic Development Authority Executive Director Wayne Vardaman said the move is a “tremendous investment” in the community.

“IP is Dallas County’s largest employer with over 750 employees and numerous indirect jobs,” Vardaman said. “These employees now know that the Riverdale Mill is here to stay.”