From the very beginning of the project in 2011, construction of the mill was entrusted to Norampac, a division of Cascades, and the startup took place on July 15, as planned, under the initial schedule for the project. Norampac is also responsible for the management of Greenpac's operations.
The state-of-the-art mill has created 118 jobs in the region. Considered as the most advanced in its category in North America, Greenpac produces a lightweight linerboard made of 100% recycled fiber, on a 328-in. machine (8.33 meters), with an annual production capacity of 540,000 tons.
"The start-up of this new mill is a proud moment for Cascades. Equipped with the most advanced technology, this machine will enable us to better meet the needs of our customers," said Marc-André Dépin, president and CEO of Norampac. "After two years of intensive construction activity, we are anxious for the opportunity to finally be able to demonstrate the possibilities of the quality products that we will be able to offer," he added.
Greenpac Mill was designed for optimal energy efficiency and with many automated operations. The water is treated and reused to reduce consumption as much as possible. In addition, the water treatment system generates gases that are used for steam production, to dry the paper.
"The Greenpac startup confirms Cascades' long term commitment in the containerboard sector, as well as our willingness to invest for the future," said Alain Lemaire, executive chairman of Cascades' board of directors. "Greenpac is the most important investment in the history of Cascades. It symbolizes the future of this company we founded nearly 50 years ago. Thanks to the audacity and leadership of the Norampac team, we are realizing a major project that will take our company to another level in packaging," Lemaire added.
According to Mario Plourde, president and CEO of Cascades, "in 2011, we announced our intention to orient our investments towards the modernization of our assets. Greenpac is the cornerstone of Norampac's strategic plan which, like the other Cascades groups, works towards providing the company with modern and competitive equipment."
Cascades and Norampac wish to thank all of their employees and suppliers who worked on this important project during the past few years. "Thanks to their efforts, the members of the Greenpac team have greatly contributed to the realization of a dream we have had for a very long time," Dépin noted. "We also want to thank our partners, namely the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Jamestown Container, and Containerboard Partners."
The company also wishes to underline the important contribution of several actors in the carrying out of this project, namely Metso, the State of New York, the Empire State Development, the City of Niagara Falls, The Niagara County Industrial Development Agency, the New York Power Authority, and the New York Department of Environment Conservation.
Now that the mill has successfully passed the crucial startup step, it will enter the ramp-up phase in which it will gradually increase its production until it reaches maximum production capacity. Partners, officials, and the media will be invited to an official opening ceremony which will take place at a later date.
TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/