Sofidel Paper Company Begins Expansion

DULUTH, Minn.– Sofidel ,the paper company that took over the paper mill along I-35 is getting an expansion.

Construction for 200-million-dollar project started two weeks ago.

The former Verso building used to produce paper to make magazines, and newspapers.

But now, with Sofidel, they switched over to tissue and toilet paper production.

With the expansion, the company will get an automated warehouse, and the ability to convert the final product there.

Instead of shipping it away to be completed.

“This is going to create 160 additional jobs on top of what we have currently on the mill site. It’s going to help other local industries that support the paper industry. You know, when you think of transportation, trucking, shipping, those types of things,” said Gary Wargin, the Site Operations Manager for Sofidel.

Sofidel is based in Italy and is the 4th largest paper company in North America.

This is the seventh company that has taken over the paper mill in Duluth.

“Sofidel decided to invest in Duluth because of two things. First, it was a new facility in terms of paper machine. And the second reason is because of secure workforce. The work force that is here is very committed and very dedicated to the mill, and to the plant,” said Simone Giacomelli, the Integration Manager for Sofidel.

Construction for the two expansion phases will be complete around mid 2026.