Cascades to Install Second Tissue Machine at St Helens

Cascades Inc., Kingsey Falls, Qué., Canada, has announced plans to install a second tissue machine at its mill in St. Helens, Ore., USA. The project will be realized through the acquisition of the specialty paper machine previously operated by Boise Inc., which is located adjacent to Cascades existing tissue machine. This machine will be reconfigured to produce 55,000 tons of tissue paper annually, bringing the total tissue paper capacity of the St. Helens’ site to 120,000 tons annually. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $35 million, and startup is planned for the fourth quarter of 2014.
 

Suzanne Blanchet, president and CEO of Cascades Tissue Group, said that "we have targeted the West Coast as an area of growth for us. This machine will manufacture hand towels and napkins for the away-from-home market. The retrofitting of an existing machine will allow us to bring the additional capacity to this market at a reduced capital cost and on a faster timeline than if we were to build a new machine. Moreover, the addition of a second machine will allow us to improve the overall operating efficiency of the St. Helen's operation as a whole. " 

Mario Plourde, president and CEO of Cascades, added that "this investment fits perfectly with our stated strategic objective of prioritizing investments in the tissue and packaging sectors. The addition of this machine combined with other ongoing projects will further strengthen Cascades growing position in the North American tissue market." 

The existing labor force being able to operate and maintain the new machinery was a key reason for the decision to locate in St. Helens. This new line is expected to add 29 new jobs over the coming year and help preserve 59 existing jobs at the mill. 

Senator Betsy Johnson noted that "since the announcement of the loss of jobs at the paper mill, State Representative Brad Witt and I have been using all of the tools at our disposal to save these jobs. We are very happy that Cascades is expanding its operations in St. Helens." 

Robert Blumberg, board president, Columbia County Economic Team (CCET), added that "we are proud of our joint efforts to expand Cascades operations in St. Helens. Business retention and expansion is one of the main goals of the CCET." 

Cascades Tissue Group, a division of Cascades Canada ULC, is the fourth largest producer of tissue paper in North America. Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts, and markets packaging and tissue products that are composed mainly of recycled fiber. The company has more than 12,000 employees who work in more than 100 units located in North America and Europe.