ST Paper invests in an Andritz-supplied TM at Duluth
ST Paper has invested in an Andritz-supplied PrimeLineTM W 2000 high-speed tissue machine at its plant in Duluth, Minnesota. Start-up is planned for the end of 2022 and the machine has a design speed of 2,000m/min and a working width of 5.65m. It will produce a range of bath, napkin and towel grades.
The scope of supply includes the approach flow equipment with double dilution capability for excellent fibre preparation, a fully cantilevered PrimePress XT Evo shoe press for gentle dewatering, a 16 ft. PrimeDry Steel Yankee with head insulation, steam and condensate systems, a high-performance Yankee hood and process air systems for energy-efficient drying.
ST Paper acquired Verso Corporation’s idled Duluth mill in May 2021 with the intention to converting the mill’s production from specialty paper grades to tissue.
The company has already converted two fine paper machines into tissue machines at its Franklin, Virginia facility.
GP confirms plans for northeast Wisconsin hub
Georgia-Pacific (GP) has confirmed it plans to open a warehouse and distribution centre in the Green Bay, Wisconsin area.
A spokesman for the business told TWM that plans were in place but added that as the project was still in the beginning stages the business couldn’t comment further at this time.
It is understood that the site will cover approximately 1.1 million square feet.
The GP contact said more information would be available in the coming months.
Clearwater Paper to exit AfH business with Neenah closure
Clearwater Paper Corporation has announced its official exit from the AfH market by the end of July 2021 with the indefinite closure of its 54,000tpy Neenah, Wisconsin facility.
The facility’s 290 employees will be impacted by the closure, which will see the shutting down of the site’s three tissue machines and ten converting lines.
Arsen Kitch, President and Chief Executive, said: “Despite the best efforts of our dedicated employees, our Neenah location and assets cannot cost effectively compete in the markets that we serve.
“This was a difficult decision, because it affects our people, their families and the Neenah community.”
A spokesperson for the company told TWM that it will continue to produce all four categories of retail tissue products and service its retail customers from its other locations.
The company and the union will be meeting this week, working closely to assist the impacted colleagues where possible.
Clearwater Paper acquired the Neenah mill in 2010, producing private brand tissue products for commercial and retail customers.
