Verso Corp. Declares Major Upgrades at Jay, Maine Mill

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Verso Corporation- North America’s leading producer of printing papers, specialty papers and pulp announced strategic investments at its Androscoggin Mill in Jay, Maine. The investments will be made over the next 18 months and will focus on strengthening its specialty paper production capabilities.

According to the company press release, the technological upgrades will boost the linear paper capacity of its No.4 paper machine. The upgrades will enhance the paper machine’s width to six metres, add additional technical capabilities and bring in fully integrated pulp platform. This will equip the machine to meet growing demand from release liner market. The proposed investments are in line with the company strategy to reposition the mill to exclusively serve the specialty paper and packaging markets.

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The company plans to carry out the investment project in two phases. The initial phase is expected to be completed in third quarter this year. The completion of the second phase is expected next year.

Mike Weinhold, President of Graphic Papers Division, Verso Corp. noted that the mill and its No. 4 paper machine have a rich history of manufacturing specialty products. The mill currently produces a mix of coated paper, uncoated paper and specialty paper. Post upgrade, the No.4 paper machine will focus on production of release liner paper, primarily used to produce labels and packaging, which are shipped worldwide.

The press release did not have any mention to details with regards to investment cost and job creation potentials.

Earlier in February this year, the company had announced an investment of $17 million to upgrade its idled No.3 paper machine. This had resulted in reinstatement of nearly 120 jobs. The upgrade project, aimed at diversifying its packaging products portfolio, is also expected to complete by Q3 2018.