ATLANTA - Georgia-Pacific has announced plans to build a $150 million softwood lumber facility in Albany, Georgia. Construction on the 320,000-square-foot facility is expected to start later this year, with the startup projected for late 2019.

When fully operational, the plant will produce approximately 300 million board-feet of lumber a year and have more than 130 full-time employees.

This marks the company's third softwood lumber mill announcement in 12 months. In February GP announced plans to build a $135 million, 340,000-square-foot facility in Warrenton, Georgia, Prior to that, in September 2017, the company announced the construction of a $100 million, 300,000-square-foot lumber production facility in Talladega, Alabama.

GP said will continue to evaluate similar investments in the U.S. as the demand for lumber continues to improve with the strengthening of the housing market. "Our confidence in our building products business is strong,” said Fritz Mason, vice president and general manager, Georgia-Pacific Lumber.

Mason said Albany was selected for this latest venture "because of the talented workforce in the region; the cost of doing business; proximity to raw materials (trees); and access to rail and highways, plus we have received a very warm reception from the leadership in Albany, Dougherty County, and the State of Georgia."

Governor Nathan Deal said, “We are proud that Georgia-Pacific will expand upon its significant presence in Georgia. As one of the nation’s most successful brands, Georgia-Pacific recognizes the benefits of operating in the top state for business."

"We value Georgia-Pacific’s commitment to creating quality jobs in our state and look forward to further strengthening this partnership in the years to come.”

“Georgia-Pacific choosing to locate its newest modern lumber production facility here showcases that advanced manufacturing works in Southwest Georgia,” added Justin Strickland, president of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission. “This plant will create significant investment for our community and jobs for our residents." GP also owns and operates a corrugated box plant in Albany.

Based in Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific and its subsidiaries are among the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of lumber and composite panel products for use in cabinetry, furniture, casegoods, closet systems and other wood products. The company also produces related chemicals, cellulose, specialty fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and consumer-related items, including bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging and office papers. The company operates approximately 200 facilities and employs approximately 35,000 people directly, and creates nearly 92,000 jobs indirectly.