Kadant Black Clawson LLC, a subsidiary of Kadant Inc., successfully started up a new lightweight recycled containerboard line at Cascades’ Bear Island facility in Ashland, Virginia.
The tailored solution was developed to address Cascades’ unique operational and sustainability goals. It features Kadant’s Hydrapulper® pulping system, Hydrapurge™ detrashing, and an advanced coarse and fine screening package. The system also incorporates Kadant’s proprietary long fiber fractionation process and the Xcel-NT™ forward cleaners for maximum energy efficiency and contaminant removal.
“We are incredibly proud to have played a role in this transformative project at Cascades Bear Island,” said Kenny Leathers, president of Kadant Black Clawson. “This was more than a large stock preparation system installation—it was a true partnership between two teams aligned on excellence, innovation, and a shared vision for sustainable performance. It’s an honor to have earned the trust of the Cascades team on such a significant initiative.”
Pat McEnroe, product director at Kadant, added, “Efficient and agile collaboration on the ground was a critical piece. The combined efforts of the Cascades and Kadant teams are truly what brings these positive results.”
“We are impressed with the ongoing support and responsiveness we have received from Kadant Black Clawson,” said Cascades Bear Island mill manager Mathieu Gendron. “All large projects come with large challenges, and Kadant has met those challenges head on, delivering a superior system that is performing well. Just as important, their team has remained actively engaged after startup, providing timely support to help us fine-tune operations.”
The robust cleaning and screening line ensures the high strength and quality of the finished product, helping Cascades deliver one of the lightest, high-end 100% recycled containerboard products on the market.
Kadant Black Clawson LLC is a leading fiber processing and recycling equipment supplier that designs, manufactures, and services equipment used in virgin and recycled paper stock preparation and paper machine approach-flow applications.
