Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) has announced its decision to convert the fine paper machine PM 3 at the Wallula, Washington, paper mill to kraftliner production. PM 3 will produce 360,000 t (400,000 sh.t) of "Virgin kraft linerboard" as of the end of next year. The company puts the capital cost of the project at approximately $150m.
PM 3 is part of PCA's paper division which trades under the name of Boise Paper and has an installed capacity of 180,000 t (200,000 sh.t) of commodity and specialty fine paper. PM 3 is producing woodfree uncoated paper, such as cut-size office papers or offset printing paper, and one side paper for label and release applications.