Expera Specialty Solutions has announced plans to build its corporate headquarters in Kaukauna, according to the Appleton Post Crescent. Expera has four specialty paper products mills in the state, one of which is in Rhinelander.

Expera is getting a $1 million loan from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to locate its headquarters in the historic Eagle Mill building.

The decision will enable the company to retain 541 jobs in Kaukauna and create at least 30 additional jobs at the new headquarters within in the next five years, said WEDC spokesman Mark Maley.

“Expera Specialty Solutions is pleased WEDC is supporting the ability to revitalize the city of Kaukauna,” Russ Wanke, company president and CEO, said in a statement. “Our business has been a part of this community for more than 130 years and this important project will help ensure that we have a bright future in the region.”

The company, formed in 2013 with the merger of the Thilmany Papers and Wausau Papers, has been conducting its corporate activities at temporary offices throughout the state. Expera has about 1,800 employees at plants in Mosinee, DePere, Rhinelander and Kaukauna.

“The paper-making industry is vital to the Fox Valley, and this decision by Expera will further strengthen the region’s role in this key sector,” Gov. Scott Walker said in a statement.

The five-year loan comes from WEDC’s Business Opportunity Loan Fund, which is designed to spur job creation and retention, capital investment, and training for businesses either starting up or expanding existing operations.

Reed Hall, secretary and CEO of WEDC, said in the last two years, WEDC has awarded more than $7 million through the Business Opportunity Loan Fund for companies that are expected to create or retain nearly 800 jobs.