International Paper to invest $250M in expansion of Riverdale Mill in Selma

International Paper will be expanding its Riverdale Mill in Selma with a $250 million investment. 

In an announcement on Thursday, Wayne Vardaman, Executive Director of The Selma & Dallas County Economic Development Authority, along with Probate Judge Nunn and the Dallas County Commission, said International Paper’s packaging business in North America has initiated a number of actions to enhance its ability to serve and grow with customers while improving its manufacturing footprint, including a conversion of the No. 16 machine at Riverdale Mill in Selma to produce containerboard. The Riverdale conversion is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2026.

The EDA coordinated meetings with the Alabama Departments of Commerce and Revenue and the Dallas County Commission to help bring the project to the mill.

EDA Executive Director Wayne Vardaman stated, “This project was important to help preserve hundreds ofhigh-

paying jobs here in Dallas County.” Vardaman noted that he appreciates the support and help of his economic development team, consisting of Judge Nunn, the Dallas County Commission, Mayor Perkins, the Selma City Council, and EDA investors.

Michael Closson, Riverdale Mill Manager, stated he is thankful for the strong partnerships of Dallas County’s government and business leaders. “We are deeply grateful to the EDA and the Dallas County Commission for their leadership and help in bringing this project to Selma and Dallas County. We look forward to many years of fruitful worktogether in the future.”

The conversion of #16 paper machine was preceded by the conversion of the mill’s other paper machine, #15 paper machine in 2020 to produce high-quality BriteTop linerboard.

The Riverdale Mill was established in 1966 as a softwood pulp mill, and over the next 50 years, it grew into a leadingmanufacturer of uncoated freesheet (copy and printing) paper, with two large paper machines and more than 750 employees. The mill also donates over $200,000 per year to local charities and schools.