INOLA, Okla. (June 25, 2026) — Sofidel Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of paper for hygienic and household use, has broken ground on a $775 million expansion at the Port of Inola in Oklahoma. The project will create 185 new jobs and significantly increase the company’s U.S. manufacturing capacity.
The Italy-based company, known across Europe for its Regina brand, will construct a new building to house a 75,000-ton-per-year Valmet Through Air Drying (TAD) tissue machine. Sofidel also plans to install converting lines with matching capacity to produce finished goods for the North American market.
The expansion strengthens Sofidel’s growing presence in Oklahoma and supports increased demand for premium tissue products across the United States, particularly in the South.
Sofidel Expands U.S. Manufacturing Footprint
“By installing this new TAD machine at our Inola facility, Sofidel is further bolstering its U.S. manufacturing footprint and expanding the availability of premium tissue products to meet growing customer demand, particularly across the South,” said Sofidel CEO Luigi Lazzareschi.
Lazzareschi said the investment carries special meaning as the company marks its 60th anniversary.
“This investment is especially meaningful as it coincides with Sofidel’s 60th anniversary, reflecting both our long-term vision and the strong relationships we have built over the years with partners and stakeholders in Oklahoma,” he said. “We have found at the Port of Inola the right environment for continued growth and innovation, and this expansion underscores our confidence in the region and our commitment to the future of advanced tissue production in the United States.”
$775 Million Project to Add 1 Million Square Feet
The Port of Inola expansion will add approximately 1 million square feet, bringing Sofidel’s total footprint at the port to about 3 million square feet.
The project includes:
- A new building for a 75,000-ton-per-year Valmet TAD tissue machine
- Converting lines with matching production capacity
- Expansion of the pulp and parent reel warehouse
- A fully automated finished goods warehouse
- E80 technology with 100,000 pallet positions
- Automated internal logistics systems
- Laser Guided Vehicles to transport parent reels
- Automated loading connected directly to the finished goods warehouse
Machine start-up is scheduled for the second quarter of 2028.
Advanced Tissue Technology Supports Premium Product Demand
Sofidel’s investment in Through Air Drying technology is designed to meet rising demand in the North American tissue market, which continues to shift toward premium products, including private label offerings.
The new facility will feature advanced logistics and automation, including Laser Guided Vehicles that move parent reels from the paper machine to the warehouse. An automated loading system will connect directly to the finished goods automated warehouse, improving efficiency across the production and distribution process.
Oklahoma Leaders Highlight Economic Development Impact
Local and state leaders said the investment reflects Oklahoma’s growing competitiveness for advanced manufacturing and large-scale industrial projects.
“This is a big confidence boost in Oklahoma’s economy,” said Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell. “This is confidence in Oklahoma’s workforce, infrastructure, our business climate and the future of our state.”
Inola Mayor Darlene Shear said Sofidel’s continued investment has brought lasting benefits to the community.
“Over the years, I have had the opportunity to see what this facility has meant to local families,” Shear said. “It’s brought jobs, new opportunities and new people to our community. Many of those people have become our neighbors, our friends and part of that Inola family. I want to thank the leadership of Sofidel for continuing to believe in this community and continuing to grow here.”
Mike Neal also praised the company’s decision to expand at the Port of Inola.
“Around the world, the Sofidel name has become synonymous with excellence in tissue production, operational sophistication and forward-thinking manufacturing,” Neal said. “This investment reinforces that reputation while strengthening the company’s production footprint in the United States.”
Neal added that Sofidel’s choice to continue expanding in Oklahoma speaks to the strength of the region’s workforce, infrastructure and business partnerships.
Sofidel’s Growing North American Presence
Sofidel Group currently operates 14 production sites across 11 states: Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Illinois, Mississippi, Florida, Ohio, South Carolina and North Carolina. The company also maintains a corporate office in Horsham, Pennsylvania.
In just over a decade, Sofidel has become the fourth-largest tissue producer in the North American market. North America now accounts for 50 percent of Sofidel’s total revenue, and the company holds a leadership position in the private label segment, serving retail brands including Costco, Walmart, Target and Amazon.
The Port of Inola expansion further positions Sofidel to meet growing U.S. demand while reinforcing Oklahoma’s role as a competitive location for advanced manufacturing, logistics and global investment.
