Wausau Paper to Expand Tissue/Towel Capacity

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Wausau Paper, Mosinee, Wis., USA, has approved plans to expand its towel and tissue production capabilities in response to a growing demand for "green" products. The project includes a new 220-in. Voith ATMOS technology paper machine capable of producing 75,000 tpy of premium towel and tissue products from 100% recycled fiber. The new machine will be located at the company's converting facility in Harrodsburg, Ky., with construction scheduled to begin this summer and startup expected in the first quarter of 2013.

Total costs associated with the project approximate $220 million and include building construction, the new paper machine, converting line enhancements, and project-related expenses. The project received incentive commitments of approximately $7 million from the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority. The company expects to fund the project primarily from future cash flow from operations and available credit from its established $300 million borrowing base. Once operational, employment at the Harrodsburg site is expected to increase by up to 76 full-time positions.

Commenting on the expansion, Thomas J. Howatt, president and CEO, said that "this investment will further extend our 'green' leadership position in the away-from-home towel and tissue market. The new machine will provide the capability to produce products at a quality level that is comparable to the best virgin-fiber products on the market today." He added that "our Tissue segment has been our best performing business over the last decade and this investment will serve to accelerate its growth and profitability."

Under its Bay West master brand, Wausau Paper was first to market a broad line of Green Seal-certified products. Since their introduction in 2003, Green Seal-certified products have grown to more than half of the company's total towel and tissue volume. Consistent with the company's strategy to increase the size of its Tissue business, this investment is the cornerstone of the Tissue segment's plan to double revenue and operating profit over the next five to seven years.