Cascades has expanded its tissue presence on the west coast of America after it announced plans for a second paper machine at its Oregon plant.
It will acquire the specialty paper machine previously operated by Boise, which is located adjacent to the existing Cascades tissue machine.
The machine will be reconfigured to produce 55,000 tonnes of tissue paper annually bringing the total tissue paper capacity of the St. Helen’s site to 120,000tpy.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be $35 million and start-up is planned for the fourth quarter of 2014.
Suzanne Blanchet, president and chief executive of Cascades Tissue Group, said: “We have targeted the west coast as an area of growth for us.
“This machine will manufacture hand towels and napkins for the AfH market. The retrofitting of an existing machine will allow us to bring the additional capacity to this market at a reduced capital cost and on a faster timeline than if we were to build a new machine.
“Moreover, the addition of a second machine will allow us to improve the overall operating efficiency of the St. Helen’s operation as a whole. ”
The new line is expected to add 29 new jobs over the coming year and help preserve 59 existing jobs at the mill.
Mario Plourde, president and chief executive of Cascades, added: “This investment fits perfectly with our stated strategic objective of prioritising investments in the tissue and packaging sectors.
“The addition of this machine combined with other ongoing projects will further strengthen Cascades growing position in the North American tissue market.”
Elsewhere, Cascades has announced the launch of its 2013-2015 Sustainable Development Plan.
The three-year plan provides the framework for the company’s efforts in respect of sustainable development for 2013-2015.
