GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – A Green Bay Paper Mill celebrated their 100th Anniversary Monday.
Beginning the same year as the Green Bay Packers, what is now Georgia Pacific has been on Broadway in Green Bay for a century.
It was founded by Austin E. Cofrin as the Fort Howard Paper Company.
Tim Ellsworth, Vice President of Manufacturing in Green Bay says things have changed since 1919.
“In 1919, horses were used to clear the land that we’re now standing on. Today, we run machines with horsepower that doesn’t shoot grass or hay,” Elsworth gave as an example.
He explained what allowed them to stay in place for 100 years.
“The answer is by continually adapting, evolving and transforming.”
The companies CEO and President Christian Fischer came from Atlanta for the celebration and said the Broadway location has what it takes to go for another 100 years.
“It is the fact of continually transforming and never being satisfied with where you are.”
Fischer thanked the employees and the community.
Georgia Pacific was recognized by officials from the county, state and federal government.
Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach and State Senators Dave Hansen and Robert Cowles presented a Citation. Congressman Mike Gallagher mentioned the celebration of 100 years for the company on the House Floor.
A time capsule from the 75th Anniversary was opened.
Among the items inside the capsule were napkins and paper towels from the ’90s. Old photos and a Packer Football from the ’90s.
