Sappi North America Concludes Landmark Investment in New Paper Machine Technology

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Boston-headquartered Sappi North America, Inc.,- the leading producer and supplier of diversified paper and packaging products, announced completion of $200 million investment in new paper machine technology at its Somerset Mill on U.S. Route 201 in Skowhegan, Maine. The paper machine has come online after a year-long rebuild process. The milestone investment decision was announced in February last year.

Addressing guests during the celebration ceremony held Wednesday, Mark Gardner, President and CEO stated that the company is excited to bring the paper machine back online. He thanked the dedicated efforts of everyone involved in the process. The company now looks forward to deliver new and innovative paper-based packaging solutions, he added. Meantime, Tony Ouellette, Managing Director, Sappi North America noted that the investments reflect growth in paper-based packaging.

The rebuild of PM-1 is expected to enable the company to continue providing high-quality packaging and graphics solutions. This will boost the mill’s annual production capacity to approximately 1 million tons per year.

The new paperboard grades from the machine are expected to complement Sappi’s existing specialty packaging products portfolio. The all-important diversification of its packaging line has taken the company one step closer to the goals set in Sappi 2020Vision- a strategic vision to reshape its business through further diversification.