BRADFORD, Pa. (From news reports) -- More than $34 million in upgrades are coming to the Georgia-Pacific corrugated plant in Bradford.

The investment will fund new equipment to modernize the plant's operations and replace some of the older equipment.

A release from the company stated, "The upgrades include a new corrugator and two new converting lines, as well as upgrades to the shipping department, which will help the plant operate more efficiently. Newer converting equipment will give the plant improved throughput and print capability to better meet customer needs."

Earl Wright, area general manager, said this upgrade has been a work in progress for many years.

"We wanted to be responsive to customer needs and provide the best long-term solution for Georgia-Pacific to allow us to grow as a preferred partner with our customers," he said. "The equipment we selected will meet the needs of our customers across Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, western/central New York, and eastern New Jersey for many years to come."

The plant team will begin preparing the facility for installation in the coming months, with the first equipment expected to be installed in the first quarter of 2023.

"We have a great team here and Georgia-Pacific's Bradford plant is a solid performer," said Joe Roulo Jr., director of operations. "Our employees have tremendous pride in the quality packaging they make for our customers and are excited for the opportunity to operate new state-of-the-art machines that will improve service and delivery for our customers."

It will take approximately 12-14 months to complete all of the upgrades.

Kelly Ferguson, senior director of public affairs and communications for GP, answered a few additional questions.

"The plant will continue to operate during most of the upgrades with only some minimal downtime for certain parts of the project," she said.

The upgrades will be made within the existing plant, so expansion of the building itself will not take place. While there will be some temporary construction jobs while the project is underway, Ferguson said the project will not increase the number of employees at the plant.

The Bradford plant has been in operation for 87 years, employs approximately 125 people and has been operated by Georgia-Pacific since 1990. The last major project at the plant was an upgrade of about $1 million in 2020.