Kruger PM10 rebuild project proceeding “on time, on budget”

Nov. 3, 2016 – Kruger says its No. 10 Paper Machine (PM10) rebuild project — a large-scale project that represents 500,000 person-hours of work over 20 months — at its Trois-Rivières mill, Ont., is proceeding “on time and on budget.”

According to the manufacturer, about 200 workers are currently completing the pulp mill, which will supply the new production line with recycled fibre, while it “makes the most of each PM10 maintenance shutdown” to work on the paper machine. During the project’s final phase during February 26 to May 7, PM10 will cease all newsprint production and more than 350 workers will work in rotating shifts for 20 hours a day to complete the rebuild.

“We are very satisfied with the progress of work. Not only is the project on time and on budget, but it also boasts a very positive health and safety record, which is a testimony to the know-how and professionalism of everyone involved: employees, suppliers and partners alike,” said Daniel Archambault, executive vice president.

Kruger said once the project is completed next May, the mill will begin manufacturing 100-per-cent recycled lightweight and high-strength linerboard. PM10’s annual production will total 360,000 metric tonnes of XTR linerboard, an exclusive product which Kruger said it will be the first to manufacture in North America. A portion of the production will be used by its packaging plants in LaSalle, Que., and Brampton, Ont., while the remainder will be sold to packaging manufacturers across Canada and the United States.

Jointly announced by Kruger and the Government of Quebec in September 2015, the project appears to be already generating benefits for the Mauricie region and for Quebec. Approximately $135 million of the overall $250-million budget has been committed to date, including $40 million for Trois-Rivières suppliers and $60 million for suppliers elsewhere in Quebec, noted the company.

Founded in 1904, Kruger is a producer of publication papers, tissue products, containerboard and packaging made from recycled fibres, renewable energy, cellulosic biomaterials, and wines and spirits. It operates facilities in Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, and Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as in Tennessee, Maine, New York, Virginia and Rhode Island in the United States.

— With files from Kruger Inc.