The Escanaba mill currently purchases PCC from another supplier. With the PCC plant on-site, the mill will save on transportation costs. Lime needed for the PCC manufacturing process will be purchased from the Upper Peninsula. The environment also benefits from the on-site plant. Currently, CO2 produced by the mill is emitted into the air and considered waste. The on-site plant will use CO2 generated by the Escanaba mill in the process, reducing the environmental impact.
"We're very pleased to announce the creation of this PCC plant at the Escanaba mill," said NewPage SVP of Operations Mark Lukacs. "This plant is a step toward helping us achieve our long-term vision. The creation of this plant deepens our relationship with our strategic partner, Omya."
Escanaba Mill Manager Roger Rouleau said, "By locating the plant here at the Escanaba mill, it's not only mutually beneficial for Omya and NewPage, the improved economics and job creation help support the local economy."
Tony Colak, CEO for Omya Region Americas said, "We are very excited to build and operate this new PCC plant for NewPage Escanaba. Most importantly, we are pleased to be a strategic supplier and partner with NewPage. The close collaboration between Omya and NewPage has resulted in this long-term commitment."
NewPage produces printing and specialty papers in North America with $3.1 billion in net sales for 2012. The company owns paper mills in Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, with a total annual production capacity of approximately 3.5 million tons of paper. NewPage's portfolio of paper products includes coated, supercalendered, and specialty papers.
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