CIRICLEVILLE, Ohio (From news reports) -- The Italian paper company Sofidel on Monday announced a $185 million expansion of its facility just south of Circleville that could add 100 jobs.

"Our success has been Ohio's success, and I appreciate the ongoing partnership with Pickaway County, the city of Circleville, One Columbus, and JobsOhio to help make it happen," Sofidel CEO Luigi Lazzareschi said in a statement. "The demand for our products is only outweighed by the immeasurable dedication and hard work of our employees, and we're excited to expand our footprint in the Columbus region."

The 1.8-million-square-foot plant, located on Route 23, opened in 2018, employing 300 workers. Since then, the workforce has increased to 500.

The plant has a mill where pulp is transformed into paper and a converting plant that turns that into products such as toilet paper, paper towels and tissues.

Since the facility opened, Sofidel says production has nearly tripled.

The products are mostly produced and packaged for sale by supermarkets and other retailers, or sold to hotels, airports and public buildings.

Sofidel says it will add 500,000 square feet to the plant as part of the expansion. Construction is expected to be finished in 2025.