Billerud Invests $126M to Transition Toward Paperboard
Read About Paving the Way for Paperboard Production...
Billerud announced its plans to optimize capacity utilization at its Escanaba and Quinnesec mills, maintaining the production of graphic paper and specialty label paper while enabling a “transition towards paperboard production.”
The plan includes capital investments of approximately $108 million at the Escanaba plant and $18 million at Quinnesec.
The investments in Billerud’s two Lake States mills were part of a “Way Forward” strategy the Swedish company announced in December in Stockholm.
“Going forward we will prioritize profitability over growth and drive performance. We will leverage the growing demand for fiber-based packaging and Billerud’s attractive niche positions, strong manufacturing capabilities, and flexible production system. Successful delivery of our plans will enable a strong and competitive Billerud,” said CEO Ivar Vatne.
He said that the capital investments in the U.S. would be carried out in phases in alignment with scheduled maintenance shutdowns. However, the upgrade of the woodyard in Escanaba “will begin immediately” with the bulk of the work “scheduled for the second half of 2025”.
