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Kimberly-Clark invests in energy efficiency at its Alabama mill

May 2, 2017 – Kimberly-Clark Corporation has approved a $75-million investment to build a new on-site combined heat-power plant at its tissue mill in Mobile, Ala.

The plant, to be constructed over a two-year period, is expected to improve the facility’s long-term energy efficiency and costs, as well as boost overall competitiveness within Kimberly-Clark, it says.

“The Mobile team is excited about the role this state-of-the-art energy supply will play in strengthening our position as a strategic manufacturing site for Kimberly-Clark, and as an employer of choice in southwest Alabama,” said Todd Visscher, mill manager for Kimberly-Clark’s Mobile operations. “The investment in highly efficient energy technologies will improve our outlook for long-term operations at the site.”

“Kimberly-Clark has been an outstanding partner to our community for many years. We are pleased to support them in making this major investment in the City of Mobile, which will enhance the competitiveness of some of the most skilled workers in America,” said Mobile mayor Sandy Stimpson.

The investment is guided by Kimberly-Clark’s Sustainability 2022 strategy to reduce emissions and costs through energy efficiency projects across its operations.

“Our overarching goal is to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent over 2005 levels by Kimberly-Clark’s 150th anniversary in 2022,” said Lisa Morden, director of global sustainability for Kimberly-Clark.

The Mobile Mill employs a workforce of more than 600, and produces bath tissue and paper towels under the Scott, Cottonelle, and K-C Professional brand names. The new on-site energy plant is expected to be in operation during the first quarter of 2019.