INOLA, Okla. — Global tissue manufacturer Sofidel announced Thursday, June 5, 2026, a $775 million expansion of its operations at the Port of Inola, a project expected to create 185 new jobs and significantly increase the company's production capacity in Oklahoma.
The Italy-based company will construct a new facility housing a 75,000-ton-per-year Valmet Through Air Drying (TAD) tissue machine and install converting lines with matching capacity to produce finished goods.
“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,” Sofidel CEO Luigi Lazzareschi said. “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.
“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.”
The project includes expansion of the pulp and parent reel warehouse and construction of a fully automated finished goods warehouse utilizing E80 technology with capacity for 100,000 pallet positions.
The expansion will add approximately 1 million square feet to the facility, bringing Sofidel’s total footprint at the port to roughly 3 million square feet. The new tissue machine is expected to begin operations during the second quarter of 2028.
According to company officials, the facility will feature advanced internal logistics systems, including Laser Guided Vehicles that will transport parent reels from the paper machine to storage areas. An automated loading system will also be connected directly to the finished goods warehouse.
Sofidel said the investment is intended to meet increasing demand for premium tissue products in the North American market, including private-label products sold through major retailers.
Tulsa Regional Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal said the company's continued investment reflects confidence in the region and its workforce.
“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.
“Sofidel could have expanded anywhere in the world. The fact that it chose to continue investing right here at the Port of Inola speaks volumes about this region, this workforce and this partnership.”
Inola Mayor Darlene Shear said the company's presence has played an important role in the community's growth.
“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.”
Sofidel currently operates 14 production facilities across 11 states, including Oklahoma, and maintains its U.S. corporate office in Horsham, Pennsylvania. In just over a decade, the company has become the fourth-largest tissue producer in North America, where the market now accounts for approximately 50% of Sofidel’s total revenue.
The company holds a leading position in the private-label tissue market, supplying products for major retailers including Costco, Walmart, Target and Amazon.
“This is a big confidence boost in Oklahoma’s economy,” Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell said. “This is confidence in Oklahoma’s workforce, infrastructure, our business climate and the future of our state.”