<b>G-P Announces Big Island Conversion</B>

Georgia-Pacific Corp.’s containerboard and packaging group announced a planned conversion of the No. 4 machine at its Big Island, Va., facility to allow production of white-top linerboard grades. The conversion won't expand overall capacity, but will allow the facility to produce white-top and mottled white grades.

The project includes the installation of a 365-ton-per-day pulper with associated stock preparation and white water system modifications, as well as enhancements to the calender stack. Engineering and equipment procurement currently is under way with startup planned for spring 2001. The No. 4 machine complex was constructed in 1996 as a 600-ton per day recycled liner and medium machine.