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Lake Utopia Paper celebrates completion of 50 years of operation

Lake Utopia Paper recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Over 300 employees and families, retirees and community leaders gathered to commemorate this significant milestone. In addition to 50 years of operations, the event recognized Lake Utopia Paper’s commitment to its people, customers and the local community.

“It is a great source of pride for Lake Utopia Paper to not only play a vital part in the JDI forest products supply chain but also to be the supplier of choice for our customers,” says Dale Chaffey, Lake Utopia Paper mill manager.

Lake Utopia Paper produces high-quality corrugating medium, which is the key component in the production of box packaging, for over 25 countries across the globe.

In 1969, Fundy Forest Industries Limited was incorporated to construct a mill to manufacture corrugating medium from hardwood pulp. J.D. Irving, Limited purchased the mill in 1973 and changed the name to Lake Utopia Paper. Since then, every corner of the Lake Utopia Paper site and every mill process has been replaced or upgraded. In the last five years alone, over $125 million in capital investments have been made.

With deep roots in the local community, Lake Utopia Paper employs more than 120 people directly on-site and hundreds more indirectly.

“To the community, customers and past and present employees – thank you for being part of the journey, we look forward to all that is ahead,” says Chaffey.