First Quality confirms construction of new paper machine in Lock Haven; 180 new jobs
GREAT NECK, NY — First Quality, Clinton County’s biggest employer, late today announced plans to build two new state-of-the-art paper machines: one in Anderson, South Carolina and one in Lock Haven. That word, posted online, will bring to seven the number of machines to expand manufacturing capacity for its ultra-premium towel and tissue products, what the company said was part of a long-term growth plan.
Today’s announcement, not unexpected, comes almost two years after First Quality had announced that Lock Haven would be the site for what will be the third such machine at the former paper mill site in Castanea Township.
Mike Flanagan, head of the Clinton County Economic Partnership, hailed today’s announcement: “We are so excited that First Quality has announced its plans for a third machine and building at its local tissue site. We owe so much to the Damaghi family for their investments over the years and offering people in this region employment opportunities. We are very fortunate to have them in our community.”
State Rep. Mike Hanna (D-Clinton/Centre) also saluted the news: “First Quality has been a staple in our community for many years,” said Hanna. “This expansion positively enhances their impact on many working families and is a wonderful opportunity for our region. I look forward to the hundreds of construction jobs and the 180 permanent positions that are expected to come from this expansion project.”
The complete First Quality announcement:
“Great Neck, New York – November 21, 2016 – First Quality Tissue, a leading manufacturer of ultra-premium towel and tissue products and part of the First Quality family of companies, today announced a series of expansion initiatives for its manufacturing and distribution capabilities, as part of its long-term growth plan.
“The expansion includes the construction of two new state-of-the-art machines. One will be located in the company’s Anderson, South Carolina facility and is expected to be completed and begin production in the second half of 2018. The other will be located in the company’s Lock Haven, Pennsylvania facility and is expected to be completed and begin production in the first half of 2019. This expansion follows the successful May 2016 launch of First Quality’s fifth paper machine, which is located at the Anderson, South Carolina facility. The launch of these additional machines will add hundreds of jobs in both Anderson and Lock Haven.
“First Quality said, “Our Company is honored to be a part of the Anderson and Lock Haven communities and extremely proud of the operations we have built together. We have witnessed the positive impact our Company has had on these U.S. towns–transforming dormant factories into state-of-the-art facilities which have created over 1,000 jobs that have provided exceptional employment opportunities to local community residents. We greatly appreciate our valuable team members and each of these communities, including the local and state representatives, for welcoming us with open arms and standing side-by-side with us as we developed these facilities. Our success is their success. First Quality Tissue’s additional investment reaffirms our commitment to our customers’ long-term objectives and will strengthen our company and these communities for decades.”
“In January 2003, First Quality Tissue purchased a long-abandoned paper manufacturing site in Lock Haven. In just five short years, First Quality deconstructed this 100-year-old plant and its approximately one million square feet of antiquated buildings and built two state-of-the-art TAD towel and tissue facilities. First Quality’s Lock Haven operation now spans approximately two million square feet and employs approximately 500 team members.
“In July 2010, First Quality Tissue replicated its success in Lock Haven when it identified and purchased an old and idled nylon fiber manufacturing plant in Anderson. In less than six years First Quality Tissue deconstructed the nylon fiber mill and built three state-of-the-art tissue mills in its place, where it now operates three machines, including the one launched in May of this year. Today, First Quality Tissue employs over 625 team members on its over 3.5 million square foot state-of-the-art campus in Anderson.
“First Quality Tissue’s commitment to the ultra-premium tissue and towel market, its retail customers and consumers is unmatched. The strategic initiatives announced today will bring First Quality’s total number of tissue machines to 7, and reaffirms the company’s commitment to its customers’ growing demands for First Quality’s ultra-premium and innovative products.
ABOUT FIRST QUALITY
“First Quality Tissue is a member of the privately held First Quality family of companies, a leading manufacturer of non-discretionary consumer products and the nation’s fastest-growing premium tissue producer. The Company is a market leader with a highly diversified and comprehensive product offering of high quality products. In addition to ultra-premium tissue and paper towel, First Quality companies manufacture a variety of products for adult care (incontinence & wipes), infant care (diapers & wipes), feminine care (tampons & sanitary pads), bottled water and engineered non-woven roll goods. For further information, please visit us at http://www.firstquality.com”
