History
The Port Townsend Paper mill has been in continuous operation for nearly 100 years. We are proud of our extensive history and look forward to growing with our community for many years to come. Take a look at our timeline to learn more about where we’ve been and where we’re headed.
1927
Construction begins on a kraft mill at Glen Cove, the newest location of the National Paper Products Company.
1928
Production begins on October 6, 1928–just one day after water from the new pipeline became available.
1929
Paper begins rolling off the second paper machine, the largest kraft paper machine in the world at the time. The plant produced 70,000 tons of paper that year!
1933
The paper mill added a Woodmill to improve wood supply. Logs were “floated” in and cut on site.
1935
The bag plant opens, an additional 40 employees are added to keep up with production needs.
1949
The mill opens its doors to the public for a community tour, the main event at the annual Rhododendron Festival.
1950
The Port Townsend mill, in competition with 70 other pulp and paper mills, wins the National Safety Council Award.
1980
Crown Zellerbach becomes a leader in emissions controls, installing new furnaces and smokestacks and improving wastewater treatment facilities.
1983
The mill is purchased by Haindl Papier GmbH of West Germany and renamed Port Townsend Paper Corporation.
1996
State-of-the-art OCC (old corrugated container) recycling facility begins operation.
1997
The mill is purchased by Northwest Capital Appreciation.
2007
The mill is purchased by Golden Tree Asset Management.
2015
The mill is purchased by Lindsay Goldberg.
2022
Crown Paper Group (CPG), including the mill and box plants in British Columbia, is purchased by Atlas Holdings, LLC.
Today
Today Port Townsend Paper Company is one of the largest private employers in Jefferson County and the largest recycler of cardboard on the Olympic Peninsula. The mill produces 325,000 tons of paper annually.
We are often asked whether PTPC offers public tours. As our mill is a working industrial manufacturing site with lots of moving trucks and heavy equipment, we are unable to offer tours at this time. We look forward to visiting with our neighbors each year at the Jefferson County Fair, held in Port Townsend the second weekend in August. Stop by our booth to learn more about our company!
PTPC is dedicated to meeting or exceeding environmental standards and supporting the community.