Domtar invests $160 million to convert paper machine to fluff pulp line at Ashdown mill, Arkansas

Specifications:

Name:

Domtar invests $160 million to convert paper machine to fluff pulp line at Ashdown mill, Arkansas

Location:

Ashdown mill, Arkansas

Company:

Domtar

Estimated Cost:

$160 Million

Source:

www.domtar.com

Introduction:

Domtar Corporation announced plans of $160 million capital project to convert a paper machine at the Ashdown, Arkansas mill to a high quality fluff pulp line.

Features:

The conversion will allow for the production of up to 516,000 metric tons of fluff pulp per year once the machine is in full operation. This project will also result in the permanent reduction of 364,000 short tons of annual uncoated freesheet production capacity in the second quarter of 2016. This fluff pulp is used in absorbent applications such as baby diapers, feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products.

Once completed, Ashdown, together with our Plymouth mill will provide a platform to further strengthen our leading position as an effective producer of high quality fluff pulp with nearly one million tonnes of total production capacity.

The conversion work is expected to commence during the second quarter of 2016 and the fluff pulp line is scheduled to start-up by the third quarter 2016. The cost of conversion will be approximately $160 million of which $40 million is expected to be invested in 2015 and $120 million in 2016.