KINGSEY
FALLS, QC, May 2nd, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Cascades
inc. (TSX: CAS), a leader in the recovery and manufacturing of
green packaging and hygiene products, is very pleased to announce
that it has produced its first roll of 100% recycled containerboard
at its Bear Island, Virginia mill.
With annual production capacity of 465,000 short tons of
lightweight, high-quality, 100% recycled containerboard, the
state-of-the-art mill is equipped to perform within the top
quartile of its industry, and will strengthen the operational
flexibility, geographic footprint, and competitiveness of Cascades'
Containerboard platform. The project created 700 jobs in the region
during the construction phase, and 180 permanent jobs with the
onset of commercial production.
"After the commissioning of the Greenpac mill nearly 10 years
ago, the start-up of Bear Island
marks another historic milestone in the strategic modernization of
our mill network. More than ever, Cascades has modern and
competitive assets that will allow us to pursue long term growth in
packaging, on a North American scale," said Mario Plourde, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Cascades.
"Cascades would like to thank all its employees and partners who
made this project possible, a feat made even more challenging given
the difficult global context of supply chain issues. This project
was the second largest in Cascades' history, and we are very proud
to have successfully converted this plant into a state-of-the-art
mill that will allow Cascades to grow our market share and enhance
service and our portfolio of sustainable solutions for our
customers," commented Charles Malo,
President and Chief Operating Officer of Cascades Containerboard
Packaging.
The Bear Island mill is now
entering the ramp-up phase of the machine and will gradually
increase its production to reach full capacity. An official
inauguration will be held in the coming months.
Permanent closure of a paper
machine at the Niagara Falls
mill
Cascades is also announcing the permanent shutdown of paper
machine number 2 at its Niagara Falls,
New York mill, which had been temporarily shut down since
November 2022. The machine, amongst
the oldest in the Containerboard platform, has a production
capacity of 90,000 short tons per year, and would require
investments for it to remain competitive. The permanent closure of
this machine will impact approximately 40 positions. The majority
of these positions are currently vacant or will be subject to
attrition in order to minimize the impact on the employees.
Founded in 1964, Cascades offers sustainable, innovative and
value-added packaging, hygiene and recovery solutions. The company
employs 10,000 talents across a network close to 80 facilities
in North America. Driven by its
participative management, half a century of experience in
recycling, and continuous research and development efforts,
Cascades continues to provide innovative products that customers
have come to rely on, while contributing to the well-being of
people, communities and the entire planet. Cascades' shares trade
on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CAS.
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SOURCE Cascades Inc.
