MICHIGAN (From news reports) -- Billerud is advancing steadily on its investments in its Escanaba and Quinnesec mills in Michigan.

"In December 2024, we announced major capital investments in our Escanaba and Quinnesec mills," said Doug Schwartz, President of Billerud North America. "These investments are vital to optimizing our paper machine capabilities, expanding into packaging materials, and continuing to deliver market-leading graphic papers, specialty label papers, and market pulp."

A major component of this investment is the complete rebuild and modernization of the woodyard at the Escanaba Mill. The project includes the installation of advanced rotary debarking technology and upgraded wood and bark handling systems. Construction of a new Motor Control Center (MCC) is underway and new equipment to support the rebuild is arriving daily. Once completed late this year, the upgrades will:

• Improve safety through modernized equipment and controls.
• Enhance chip quality to support future paper and packaging innovations.
• Increase operational efficiency and capacity.
• Improve sustainability through reduced steam and chemical use and improved boiler performance.

Billerud is a global leader in paper and packaging materials made from cellulose fibers.