Macon, Georgia, USA 09 August 2017 -- Irving Consumer Products is pleased to announce the expansion of its United States business operations with the construction of a new $400 million state-of-the-art tissue plant in Macon, Georgia. The new plant will create over 200 jobs and allow the company to double its ThruAir Dry capacity, increasing it by 75,000 tonnes, the equivalent of 15 million cases.

"We're pleased to be expanding our business in the United States. We're excited by the opportunity in Macon and in Georgia. We're looking forward to building a strong relationship with the wonderful people of this community," says Robert K. Irving, President of Irving Consumer Products. "Selecting Macon for our new facility provides us with an opportunity to establish a footprint in a region that has proven itself as being a strong supporter of business. It will allow us to reach key markets, and will help to continue to drive our growth." Mr. Irving further adds, "This expansion is possible because of the commitment of our employees, customers and suppliers. It is their support that has allowed us to grow and expand."

"We welcome Irving Consumer Products to Georgia and appreciate the company's significant investment here," said Governor Nathan Deal. "Georgia's top-ranked business climate continues to attract international manufacturing leaders and drive investment opportunities across the state. The jobs created at this facility will provide meaningful opportunities in the Macon community while utilizing our robust logistics infrastructure to reach its customer base more efficiently. Ultimately, Georgia's ongoing success is the result of partnerships like these, and Irving Consumer Products is a welcome addition to our winning team."

"The more we learned about the Irving family companies, the more we knew they would make great corporate partners here in Macon-Bibb County," says Mayor Robert Reichert. "They will be a great addition to our entire region, especially with their policy of putting families first and history of giving back to the communities where they're located."

"We are elated to be selected as the location for Irving Consumer Products' new plant in North America. Irving's strategic vision and long-range planning match those we have developed for the sustained growth of our community," said Cliffard Whitby, Chairman of the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority (MBCIA). "The decision of Irving to locate in Macon-Bibb County demonstrates MBCIA, together with the support of our local governments, has the right model, infrastructure, and workforce to fulfill its mission to foster economic development, job creation, and a high quality of life for our community."

"The Macon Water Authority is pleased to play an integral role in Irving Consumer Products' decision to locate its new facility in Macon-Bibb County," said Sam Hart Sr., Chairman of the Macon Water Authority. "Irving and MWA share mutual core values of providing our customers with outstanding value and service, now and for many years to come."

Engineering and planning for the facility is well underway. Construction will begin this summer and will be completed in 2019 and is estimated to provide 1,000,000 person hours of work. At the height of construction, over 540 people will be working on-site.

In November 2016, Irving Consumer Products announced the purchase of a new ThruAir Dry machine, which will be installed at the new facility in Macon.

About Irving Consumer Products

Irving Consumer Products is one of North America's leading manufacturers of household paper and baby diaper products. Irving Consumer Products companies include Irving Tissue and Irving Personal Care. Irving Tissue produces premium household store brand paper products for many of North America's top retailers, in addition to some of the top-selling tissue brands in the marketplace. Irving Personal Care is the only manufacturer of baby diapers and training pants in Canada. Using state-of-the-art equipment and technology, they produce premium quality private label products for major North American customers. Read more at www.irvingconsumerproducts.com.