Cascades has announced plans to install a second paper machine at its tissue mill in St. Helens, Oregon.
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 per year.
The total cost of the project is expected to reach $35 million.
"We have targeted the West Coast as an area of growth for us," said Suzanne Blanchet, president and CEO of Cascades Tissue Group. "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," Blanchet added.
The additional production line is expected to add 29 new jobs over the coming year and help preserve 59 existing jobs at the mill.
Start-up of the machine is planned for the fourth quarter of 2014.
