CIRCLEVILLE, OH – Sofidel has solidified its position as the fourth-largest tissue paper manufacturer in North America following the $1.06 billion acquisition of Clearwater Paper Corp.’s tissue business. The deal, the largest in Sofidel’s history, was first announced in July and has now received all necessary regulatory approvals.
As part of the acquisition, Sofidel will take over four Clearwater Paper production sites located in Shelby, North Carolina; Lewiston, Idaho; Elwood, Illinois; and Las Vegas. Additionally, approximately 1,700 employees will be integrated into Sofidel’s operations. The acquisition increases Sofidel’s annual production capacity by 25 percent, or 340,000 metric tons, while also strengthening its leadership in the private-label tissue sector.
A key benefit of the acquisition is the expansion of Sofidel’s product offerings, particularly with the addition of two through-air-drying (TAD) paper machines, which will enhance the company’s production capabilities. The newly acquired facilities also optimize Sofidel’s geographic coverage, allowing the company to serve a broader customer base across North America.
Sofidel is also making major investments in its existing facilities. The company has been actively working to increase production capacity at its Circleville, Ohio mill by 50 percent, with a $185 million investment announced in September 2023. Once completed, the Circleville facility will become Sofidel’s largest production site worldwide, with an annual capacity of 200,000 metric tons. Additionally, the company is expanding its Duluth, Minnesota mill, which was acquired in January from ST Paper, with plans to equip it with new converting lines and an automated warehouse…