ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Billerud’s Board of Directors has decided not to proceed with plans to convert its Escanaba mill to carton board production. Instead, the company says it will “target to shift its product mix” gradually towards packaging materials in North America with a moderate investment level.
“After in-depth feasibility studies, evaluations, and supplier discussions, we have concluded that the projected return on investment is not sufficiently attractive to proceed with the conversion of Escanaba to cartonboard production,” says Ivar Vatne, President and CEO of Billerud. “During the process, conditions have changed and the cost of equipment and services necessary to transform the operations have greatly increased. Instead, we will pursue a higher returning and more moderate investment strategy for our North American mills going forward.”
“Billerud North America operations are an integral part of Billerud and we remain committed to the North American market. Since the acquisition in 2022, the organizational fit, access to cost competitive fiber and the financial performance of the region have exceeded our expectations. The long-term market outlook for paper and packaging material in North America is promising. With better-than-expected machine flexibility we see great potential to diversify our product portfolio towards packaging grades – fully in line with our strategy,” says Ivar Vatne.
Billerud says it will continue to serve the North American markets with cartonboard produced at its European mills.
WZMQ 19 has reached out to Billerud for comment.
