Cascades Inc., Kingsey Falls, Qué., Canada, a leader in the recovery and manufacturing of green packaging and tissue products, this week celebrated the official inauguration of its expanded corrugated packaging plant in Drummondville, Qué., a $26.4-million investment. 

The 45,000-sq. ft. expansion allowed for the installation of a new corrugator that is among the fastest on the market. The new equipment has been operating since early 2016. This week, the ramp-up period is complete and the plant is one of the most efficient in its category. The plant produces cardboard boxes used to package products made in Quebec and the U.S., particularly food products. 

 

 

Attendees of the inauguration included: Dominique Anglade, minister of economy, science, and innovation; Laurent Lessard, minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec region; Alexandre Cusson, mayor of Drummondville; and Cascades customers, suppliers, and employees. Cascades acknowledges the government's contribution to this project in the form of a $6-million loan from Investissement Québec.

"The Drummondville expansion is a concrete example of our continuing efforts to modernize our manufacturing equipment. By investing in high performance and state-of-the-art technology such as that used at Drummondville, the company not only consolidates the plant's 214 jobs, but also its position as a leader in containerboard packaging in Canada and the Northeastern U.S.," said Mario Plourde, president and CEO of Cascades.

"This new equipment allows us to produce higher-quality packaging and increases our efficiency and flexibility to better serve our customers. Along with the purchase or construction of new plants in Connecticut and New Jersey, this investment demonstrates Cascades' desire to grow and gain market share. I wish to acknowledge the outstanding dedication of employees and partners who helped make this project possible," said Charles Malo, president and COO of Cascades Containerboard Packaging. 

Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products that are composed mainly of recycled fibers. The company employs 11,000 women and men, who work in close to 90 production units in North America and Europe.