History

The Port Townsend Paper mill has been in continuous operation for over 85 years. We are proud of our extensive history and hope to continue 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 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.

1930

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that the Port Townsend population increased by nearly a third between 1920 and 1930, compared to a mere 7% increase in the following decade.

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.

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 Corp is the largest private employer in Jefferson County and the largest recycler on the Olympic Peninsula, recycling one-third of all the cardboard in Washington State. The mill produces 325,000 tons annually and is dedicated to meeting or exceeding environmental standards and supporting the community.