Twin Rivers Officially Opens Edmundston, N.B., Pulp Mill

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Twin Rivers Paper Co., South Portland, Maine, USA, this past week officially opened its Edmundston, N.B., Canada, pulp mill and cogeneration facility that it acquired earlier this month from Fraser Papers. In addition to the Edmundston mill, Twin Rivers' acquisition of the specialty papers core business from bankrupt Fraser included the Madawaska, Maine, paper mill and sawmills in Plaster Rock and Juniper, N.B.

During opening ceremonies at Edmundston, Jeffrey C. Dutton, president and CEO of Twin Rivers, noted that "the launch of Twin Rivers represents a new beginning. With a focus on specialty papers, a more competitive cost structure, and continued emphasis on service and innovation, we are well-positioned to achieve long-term profitability. Because of the hard work and sacrifice on the part of our employees, the commitment and vision of our leadership team, and assistance from our communities and the New Brunswick and federal governments, we are operating today."

In outlining the company strategy, Dutton said he expects Twin Rivers will generate approximately $400 million in revenue and manufacture up to 380,000 tons of specialty paper. By focusing on specialty paper, the company will sell a portfolio of sustainable and differentiated products coupled with a market-leading service platform. As Twin Rivers, the company has lowered its exposure to oil and purchased fiber, upgraded its core facilities, and completed significant cost reduction initiatives."

Keith Ashfield, minister of National Revenue, minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and minister for the Atlantic Gateway, said that "at the federal level, with C$23 million in credits transferred from Fraser Papers to Twin Rivers, our Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program is meant to support environmental and energy improvement projects. We are pleased that our support is laying the groundwork for a greener and more secure future for Twin Rivers and the pulp and paper industry as a whole."

Shawn Graham, premier of New Brunswick, added that "our government believes in this company, its employees, and the important role they will play in growing our economy and creating opportunities to keep our kids here at home. Both the Edmundston and Plaster Rock mills have been modernized thanks to funding from our government, and with this restructuring, Twin Rivers now has the secure foundation it needs to be a successful player in this very important industry."