Southland Paper Mills, Inc. was the first plant to turn southern pines into newsprint, and the mill here revolutionized the paper industry in the southern United States. Seeking local paper rather than foreign supplies, Southland was incorporated in 1938 and began operations in 1940. Its mills made possible the use of southern pine, earlier rejected for newsprint because of its high resin content. In 1942, additional facilities were built to supply bleached pulp. The success of this pioneer complex gave Texas an avenue for aiding the world in the supply of vital paper.