Sophieamong the world leaders in the production of paper for hygienic and domestic use, known in particular in Italy and Europe for the Regina brand, has completed the acquisition of the tissue division of Clearwater Paper Corporation (“CLW Tissue”).
The agreement was announced last July 22nd. All regulatory approvals have been obtained.
The operation, the main one carried out in the history of the Group, represents a strategic step in Sofidel‘s path. Thanks to the acquisition of four manufacturing plants – Shelby (North Carolina), Lewiston (Idaho), Las Vegas (Nevada) and Elwood (Illinois) – and the integration of approximately 1,700 employees, il Group Sofidel increases its production capacity by 25% (340,000 tons per year), expands the commercial offer (of the six paper mill machines acquired, two are machines TAD – Through Air Drying, a technology widely used in the United States, particularly in the kitchen towel segment), and optimizes geographic coverage.
“This operation makes Sofidel the fourth largest tissue paper producer in North America, and strengthens its leadership in the Private Label sector, a further growing market. A step that brings the goal of having equivalent revenues on both sides of the Antico. A crucial acquisition for the future of the entire Sofidel”, he declared Luigi Lazzareschi, CEO of Sofidel.
“Today the largest acquisition made by our Group is completed. A goal we have been thinking about for years. Today we can say that we were ready to seize the opportunity when it presented itself“he declared Edilio Stefani, President of Sofidel.
In the meantime, Sofidel is pursuing other consolidation and development plans on the North American market. It is doing so at the Circleville (Ohio) plant, where work is underway to increase paper mill production capacity by 50%, and at the Duluth (Minnesota) plant, which will be equipped with converting lines and a new automated warehouse.
Sofidel Group
The Sofidel Group, based in Porcari (Lucca), is one of the world leaders in the production of paper for hygienic and domestic use. Founded in 1966, it is present in 13 countries, 12 in Europe and the United States (11 States), with over 8,500 employees and a production capacity of 1,850,000 tons per year (these numbers include the acquisition of ST Paper and CLW Tissue in 2024). In 2023, consolidated net turnover was 3,129 million euros. “Regina” is its best-known brand, present in most of the reference markets. Other brands include: Sopalin, Le Trèfle, Hakle, Softis, Nalys, Cosynel, KittenSoft, Nicky and Papernet. The Group has committed to reducing its net carbon emissions to zero (Net-Zero) by 2050.
