ND Paper to Convert B26 Paper Machine at Biron Mill to Packaging Grades
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ND Paper announced that it will be converting the B26 paper machine at the company's Biron Mill in Wisconsin from the production of coated mechanical papers to lightweight, high-strength recycled packaging grades.
Construction will begin in the first quarter of 2022 with commissioning anticipated by the end of 2022.
Today, the Biron Division, located in central Wisconsin, employs more than 300 full-time personnel and operates two paper production lines. Its B25 paper machine produces approximately 270,000 short tons per year (tpy) of corrugating medium and linerboard for packaging applications, while the B26 machine produces approximately 260,000 short tpy of lightweight coated mechanical (CM) papers for end uses like catalogs, magazines and retail inserts.
Upon completion of the conversion, both the machine and the mill will have increased annual manufacturing capacity. The B26 machine will have the capacity to produce over 500,000 short tpy of packaging paper, and the mill, in total, will have capacity for over 800,000 short tpy.
The conversion will include construction of a new recycling facility paired with machine modifications. The new, state-of-the-art pulping facility will provide over 1,550 short tons per day of pulp from old corrugated containers (OCC).
Over recent years, demand for packaging grades, such as kraft paper and linerboard, have experienced substantial growth due to a shift toward e-commerce and consumer demand for more sustainable products.
"The work we're doing at our Biron Division marks another critical step in our transformation towards a bright and successful future," said Ken Liu, Group Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Our decision to grow our packaging portfolio is grounded in strong demand and support from our customers for ND paper products."
