The J.D. Irving (JDI) pulp and paper mill, Saint John, N.B., Canada, is in the midst of the largest modernization project in Canada since 1993, and yet the daily operation of the mill continues, the company notes. 

"We have not had a single break in production," said Mill Manager Cory Gallant. "Despite the incredible amount of construction activity on site, we have remained fully functional with more than 340 employees producing pulp products every day for markets at home and abroad."

Gallant says excellent communication between mill employees and project leaders has made the difference. "Around here we say we have two groups on site, but one team," he adds.

JDI Project Manager Mark Fitzpatrick (photo above) credits partnerships and planning to the ongoing success of the $450 million pulp mill modernization. Daily, weekly, and monthly project plans are shared with all stakeholders including mill operations, construction contractors, engineering companies, and equipment vendors. 

"Everybody brings expertise and experience to the table, and to leverage that you need to include folks, and that will always result in making a good plan to an excellent plan," Fitzpatrick said. 

The current phase of the modernization project has created about 450 direct and indirect construction jobs on-site. To date, JDI has awarded more than $64 million in contracts to 124 New Brunswick companies.   

   

The pulp and paper mill is a central part of JDI’s forest products business, which spends $400 million-plus in annual purchases in New Brunswick, supporting more than 1,700 suppliers across 250 communities in the province. 

"Proudly made in New Brunswick," Irving points out that its pulp products are shipped to 20 countries around the globe and sustain a vital road, rail, and sea transportation hub in Saint John.