Finch Paper LLC, Glens Falls, N.Y., USA, producer of uncoated papers, announced a plan this past week to invest $20 million in its Glens Falls operations. An important component of the plan includes funding from public-private partnerships, as awarded by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo upon the recommendation of the state’s Capital Region Economic Development Council (REDC).

 

During a time of rapid change in the industry, Finch Paper is planning to invest in several critical areas—its several processing and converting operations, its pulp mill, and the company’s largest paper machine. State-of-the-art equipment and asset upgrades in the company’s woodyard operation will have many benefits including improvements in safety, chip quality, and fiber yield. The new equipment will use much less fuel and electricity and is expected to stimulate additional investments among Finch’s wood suppliers.

 

Finch Paper will also upgrade the pulp mill’s distributive control system. Finch operates one of only two ammonia based bi-sulfite (ABBS) pulp mills in the country, which produces an exceptionally high-bright pulp while minimizing odors at its downtown location.

 

The announcement by New York’s Capital District REDC was also the critical component needed to engineer, build, and install a new headbox on Finch’s largest paper machine. This major investment secures the company’s competitive position, improving both quality and efficiency while lowering the cost structure. "Finch and New York State have the ability to compete on a global scale," Finch Paper President and CEO Debabrata Mukherjee said. "This investment is a celebration of our 150-year anniversary and will ignite the commitment we need to win for the next 150 years."

Finch Paper is making additional investment in energy efficiency. Collaborating with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Finch’s goal is to make further reductions in gas and electric consumption and the company’s corresponding carbon footprint. Finch Paper produces two-thirds of its energy needs through on-site renewable resources with the balance coming from natural gas. Already Boiler MACT compliant, Finch is in an ideal position to invest in continuous improvement projects and assets that add value to their business and their customers’ businesses.