Double A Starts up Alizay Mill in France

Double A, Prachinburi, Thailand, reportedly has restarted production at the Alizay fine paper mill in Northern France. According to a report by Euwid Pulp and Paper, Germany, the company said this week that the first paper roll had been produced. A spokesman explained that production was currently in a test phase and would be increased step by step. Double A plans to start full activity on the French market beginning in the fourth quarter of this year.

"The Alizay mill will be the foundation for our expansion in Europe," Thirawit Leetavorn, Double A's senior EVP, was quoted in the Euwid report, adding that the company would be focusing on the production of its Double A brand.

The Alizay mill has an annual production capacity of 300,000 metric tpy of uncoated woodfree paper. Double A said it would produce the paper brands Double A, Smart Copy, Hi-Plus, and Smartist. The company will use its own hardwood pulp from Thailand for production of the KHAN-NA brand. In February of this year, Double A had said that it would continue producing recycled paper at Alizay, and also bring back the Evolve brand.

The company did not give details on the number of employees currently at Alizay, but local media report that 150 people have been hired. Double A had announced at the beginning of the year that it would employ 200 people at the site.

Paper production in Alizay had been permanently idled since early 2012 when Metsä Board, Finland, closed the facilities. Double A acquired the operations earlier this year.

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