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Cascades expands tissue capacity on the U.S. West Coast

Cascades plans to install a second paper machine at its plant in St. Helens, Oregon. The project involves  acquiring and reconfiguring a specialty paper machine previously operated by Boise which is located adjacent to Cascades…

Cascades plans to install a second paper machine at its plant in St. Helens, Oregon. The project involves  acquiring and reconfiguring a specialty paper machine previously operated by Boise 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. Total cost of the project is estimated to be $35 million and start-up is planned for the fourth quarter of 2014.

The 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,” said Suzanne Blanchet, president and CEO of Cascades Tissue Group. “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.”

The existing labor force being able to operate and maintain the new machinery was a key reason for the decision to locate in St. Helens.

Cascades Tissue Group, a division of Cascades Canada ULC is the fourth largest manufacturer of tissue paper in North America.