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Domtar celebrates 175th anniversary throughout 2023, shares key moments from its history

Throughout 2023, Domtar commemorated its 175th anniversary and reflected on the many ways in which the company’s foundations were laid, and what it can become in the future.

Domtar shared in a recent statement that its ability to reinvent itself — while staying committed to its employees, the environment and the communities around it — has set the company on a path for continued growth and success.

Here are the key moments from the 175 years that Domtar shared in its statement.

Reinvention: Change brings opportunity

Staying in business since 1848 doesn’t happen by accident, says Domtar. It’s the result of staying focused on meeting customer needs and remaining a preferred partner. Over the years, Domtar has reportedly served as a critical supplier to a diverse set of businesses, providing a wide variety of essential materials as markets changed. 

For example, the company entered the construction materials business — including roofing, paving and wood products — during the building boom that followed the First World War. Later, during the Great Depression, its predecessor Dominion Tar and Chemical also acquired a company that produced Sifto brand salt. 

Guided by values 

As it navigated these changes, Domtar stayed true to its values, acting with agility, innovation and caring, shares the company.  

The values were reportedly demonstrated throughout its history as it continually sought to become a better employer, supplier and neighbour.  

Domtar says that its values underpin the safety policies and practices that it has in place today, which are the result of its work to adapt and improve the ways it keeps employees safe at work. 

The company is proud of the positive culture that is demonstrated by the many employees who have worked with for three, four, five and even six decades, as well as in the career paths of women who have helped redefine what modern manufacturing looks like. 

Domtar shares that it has been a leader in sustainability. It was reportedly the first forest products company in North America to achieve Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification of its lands and it has continued strong relationships with environmental organizations. 

The company has also recognized the importance of investing in the communities where it operates, making them better places to live, work and play. To help nurture the next generation of talent, it gave a total of $100,000 in scholarships to two local universities. The funds will be awarded to students in engineering, forestry, STEM and education at Clemson University in South Carolina and the Université de Sherbrooke in Quebec. 

Next is now 

Domtar says that it is at an exciting moment in its history. Its eyes are on the future as part of the Paper Excellence group of companies.