Features Equipment & Systems
UPGRADE: ST. LAURENT PLANS TO CONVERT LINERBOARD MILL

MONTREAL, QC — St. Laurent Paperboard Inc. said it plans to invest about $37 million on two projects to upgrade its paperboard mill in La Tuque, QC. In the first project, the company will convert up to 50 000 tons of white-top linerboard production to coated white-top linerboard. Commercial production of the coated linerboard is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2000, making it the first mill in North America to produce such a product. Jay J. Gurandiano, president and chief executive officer, said the investment was in keeping with its business plan. “This investment will enable us to increase our competitiveness, generate greater customer satisfaction with high-quality products and reinforce our position as the value-added paperboard leader in North America and [in] international markets.”

In the second project, the company will improve its sawdust and wood residue screening process, which are used as raw materials at the La Tuque mill. Among other things, it will modernize its receiving and screening operations and simplify the transfer of fibre to the cooking facilities. The company expects to reduce energy consumption by 8% as a result of the process improvements.

Gurandiano: This investment will allow us to increase our competitiveness.