Features Mills Sawmilling
Cascades expands on the West Coast

Sept. 19, 2013, Kingsey Falls, Que. - Cascades announces plans to install a second paper machine at its plant in St. Helens, Oregon. The project will be realized through the acquisition of the specialty paper machine previously operated by Boise, 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. Total cost of the project is estimated to be $35 million and start-up is planned for the fourth quarter of 2014.

In commenting on this project Ms. Suzanne Blanchet, President and CEO of Cascades Tissue Group, stated "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. "

Mr. Mario Plourde, President and CEO of Cascades Inc., added "This investment fits perfectly with our stated strategic objective of prioritising 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."

September 19, 2013  By CNW