Irving Paper to invest $220 million in mill improvements

Feb 09, 2005. /Lesprom Network/. Irving Paper will make a significant investment over the next year to install the first OptiLoad TwinLine Calender to produce high-end specialty grade SCA+ papers. The new equipment – the first of its kind in the world - will allow a higher value, higher grade of glossy catalogue and magazine papers versus what is currently produced at the Saint John mill. The new equipment is produced by Metso Paper of Finland and will be fully installed by the first quarter of 2006.The completion of this upgrade will mark a total investment of $220 million in mill improvements over a three year period. “The men and women of Irving Paper are a world class team of over 350 employees who continue to deliver world class quality,” said Jim Irving, President of J.D. Irving, Limited. “This investment in ‘world first’ technology is the company’s commitment to ensuring the future success of this mill in a fiercely competitive global marketplace. Our dedicated sales force at Irving Forest Services is focused on delivering the highest quality of SC-A and SC-A+ papers to our valued customers. We look forward to the launch of this exclusive product at the beginning of 2006.” In 1990 the Irving Paper mill became one of the first in the world to introduce soft-nip calendar technology for higher gloss paper. In 1998 the company was the first in North America to install OptiLine technology, enabling the production of higher value flyer and catalogue paper on an inline super-calender. The project will mean approximately $30 million in the purchase of local goods and services from suppliers in the Greater Saint John area. At peak construction approximately 600 contracted workers will be active at the Irving Paper facility installing the world first technology.