Key Takeaways
- Crossett, Arkansas is home to one of the most advanced tissue and paperboard manufacturing hubs in the Southern United States.
- Georgia-Pacific’s Crossett mill leads in tissue innovation, including eTAD technology, automation, and large-scale capital investments.
- Chemical manufacturing, including Bakelite Synthetics and supporting industrial suppliers, plays a vital role in regional diversification.
- The industry supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs and significantly impacts Ashley County’s economy.
- Modernization, environmental compliance, and workforce development are central to the city’s future growth.
Crossett’s Industrial Identity: A National Paper and Chemical Powerhouse
Crossett, Arkansas is not just another Southern mill town. It is one of the most strategically important paper and chemical manufacturing centers in the region. Anchored by global brands and supported by specialized chemical producers and suppliers, the city has built a national reputation for tissue innovation, advanced paperboard production, and industrial chemical manufacturing.
The scale, technology, and economic footprint of Crossett’s facilities place it among the top manufacturing hubs in Arkansas. While many towns have a single plant, Crossett’s integrated ecosystem of mills, chemical production, logistics infrastructure, and workforce training gives it a highly competitive advantage.
Top Paper and Chemical Tech Companies in Crossett, Arkansas
1. Georgia-Pacific Crossett Mill
The Georgia-Pacific Crossett mill is the cornerstone of the local economy and one of the most technologically advanced tissue and paperboard facilities in the United States. Owned by Koch Industries, Georgia-Pacific has invested heavily in modernization and innovation at this site.
Core Operations:
- Tissue manufacturing for consumer brands
- Paper towel and bath tissue production
- Containerboard and specialty paper products
Technology Highlights:
- eTAD tissue technology for improved softness and strength
- Automation and robotics in converting lines
- High-efficiency recovery boilers and power systems
- Advanced quality control using digital monitoring
Recent multi-million dollar expansions have strengthened the facility’s competitiveness while creating high-skilled jobs in engineering, maintenance, and process control. The plant is widely recognized for operational efficiency and national-level production capacity.
2. Bakelite Synthetics (Formerly Georgia-Pacific Chemicals)
Bakelite Synthetics operates a major chemical manufacturing facility in Crossett. Known globally for resin systems and specialty chemicals, the company plays a critical support role to industries including engineered wood, automotive components, and industrial manufacturing.
Primary Products:
- Phenolic resins
- Industrial adhesives
- Specialty chemical solutions
The Crossett chemical operation contributes to diversification beyond paper manufacturing. Its presence positions the city as both a pulp and chemical processing center, reducing economic dependence on a single product line.
3. Industrial Support and Engineering Firms
Behind every major mill is a network of contractors, engineering companies, logistics providers, and automation specialists. Crossett supports:
- Industrial maintenance contractors
- Process control and instrumentation providers
- Mechanical and electrical engineering firms
- Rail and transportation logistics partners
This supporting ecosystem enhances turnaround times, maintenance cycles, and plant efficiency while creating additional local employment streams.
Technology Innovations Driving Crossett Forward
eTAD Tissue Technology
Structured tissue technology, including eTAD systems, allows production of ultra-soft, highly absorbent paper products while maintaining fiber efficiency. This innovation reduces raw material waste and improves product strength to weight ratio.
Automation and Digital Controls
Modern mills in Crossett use distributed control systems and predictive maintenance software to minimize downtime. Automation reduces error rates, improves safety metrics, and enhances output consistency.
Energy and Recovery Systems
Advanced recovery boilers convert byproducts into usable energy, significantly reducing external power dependency. This closed-loop efficiency model increases sustainability and lowers operating costs.
Economic Impact on Ashley County
The paper and chemical industry remains the economic backbone of Crossett and surrounding communities.
CategoryImpactDirect EmploymentHundreds of high-skilled manufacturing jobsIndirect JobsContractors, suppliers, transportation, retailCapital InvestmentHundreds of millions in facility upgradesTax RevenueMajor contributor to local schools and infrastructure
Manufacturing wages in paper and chemicals typically exceed regional averages, offering strong middle-class stability. The presence of these facilities also drives housing demand, retail growth, and professional services expansion.
Environmental Responsibility and Regulatory Oversight
Like many legacy mill towns, Crossett has faced environmental scrutiny. Air and water permitting requirements are closely monitored by state and federal regulators. Modern investment cycles have included:
- Improved emissions control systems
- Wastewater treatment upgrades
- Continuous environmental monitoring technology
- Compliance audits and public transparency reporting
Sustainability efforts are now integrated into capital planning. Energy efficiency improvements and fiber sourcing certification programs contribute to more responsible production models.
Workforce Development and Career Pathways
The paper and chemical sectors in Crossett offer stable, long-term careers across multiple technical disciplines.
In-Demand Roles
- Process engineers
- Industrial electricians
- Millwrights and mechanics
- Chemical operators
- Environmental health and safety specialists
Partnerships with regional community colleges and vocational programs help develop skilled labor. Apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training allow employees to build careers without relocating to larger metro areas.
Historical Foundations of Industrial Strength
Crossett’s identity as a manufacturing town began in the early 20th century, centered on timber and forest products. Over time, basic lumber operations evolved into fully integrated pulp, paperboard, and chemical manufacturing systems.
Corporate transitions, including integration under Koch Industries and later chemical business spin-offs, expanded global investment reach. Today’s facilities combine century-old industry experience with modern industrial engineering.
Future Outlook for Paper and Chemical Tech in Crossett
Demand for tissue, packaging, and specialty chemicals remains strong nationwide. E-commerce growth continues to drive containerboard needs, while consumer tissue demand remains stable across economic cycles.
Crossett’s advantages include:
- Established rail and highway infrastructure
- Abundant regional timber resources
- Skilled industrial workforce
- Proven record of capital reinvestment
Further modernization efforts are expected to focus on energy optimization, digital process integration, and advanced safety systems. Continued investment will likely strengthen Crossett’s position as one of Arkansas’ most critical manufacturing centers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crossett’s Paper and Chemical Industry
What is Crossett, Arkansas known for in manufacturing?
You know Crossett for its large tissue, paperboard, and chemical plants. The city is a major hub for Georgia-Pacific’s tissue and containerboard production and for Bakelite Synthetics’ resin and specialty chemical manufacturing.
How does Georgia-Pacific’s Crossett mill use advanced technology?
At the Crossett mill, you see eTAD tissue technology, automated converting lines, digital quality control, and high-efficiency recovery boilers. These tools help improve product softness and strength while cutting waste and boosting energy efficiency.
What does Bakelite Synthetics produce in Crossett?
In Crossett, you get phenolic resins, industrial adhesives, and other specialty chemicals from Bakelite Synthetics. These products support engineered wood, automotive parts, and a range of industrial manufacturing uses.
How does the paper and chemical industry affect Ashley County’s economy?
You benefit from hundreds of direct manufacturing jobs and many more indirect roles in contracting, logistics, and services. The mills drive major capital investment, provide above-average manufacturing wages, and contribute key tax revenue for local schools and infrastructure.
What steps are local plants taking on environmental compliance?
You see mills using upgraded emissions controls, improved wastewater treatment, continuous monitoring, and regular compliance audits. New projects often include energy efficiency measures and certified fiber sourcing to support more sustainable operations.
What kinds of jobs and training can you find in Crossett’s mills?
You can pursue roles such as process engineer, industrial electrician, millwright, chemical operator, and EHS specialist. Regional community colleges and vocational programs work with the mills to offer technical training, apprenticeships, and on-the-job learning paths.
.svg)
