Kruger Inc to invest USD 32.4 million in its Kamloops Pulp Mill to enhance the mill’s competitiveness, operational performance, and environmental sustainability.
Sep 23, 2024
Kruger Inc. has announced a USD 32.4 million investment in its Kamloops Pulp Mill to introduce innovative technology, diversify its product offerings, and expand into high-growth markets. This announcement was made during a press event held at the Kruger Kamloops facility in the presence of Ms. Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation in British Columbia; Mr. Eric Ashby, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Kruger Inc, Mr. Roman Gallo, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Kruger’s Pulp and Paper Division; and Ms. Irene Preto, General Manager, Kamloops Pulp Mill.
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This investment will enhance the mill’s competitiveness, operational performance, and environmental sustainability. It will help secure 340 direct jobs at the facility and support 1,000 indirect jobs across British Columbia. Additionally, the governments of Canada and British Columbia are each contributing USD 5 million to the project through the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program and the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund.
Kruger Kamloops’ plans to introduce a new pulp washing system with this investment. The new machine will enhance the plant’s effectiveness and significantly reduce inorganic material and talc in the finished product. The process will also result in a notable reduction in bleaching chemical usage. This technology will be combined with advanced controls and AI-based capabilities to ensure that the pulp consistently meets the most stringent requirements for specialty products that require ultraclean pulp.
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Slated for completion in 2026, the project will enable Kruger Kamloops to ramp up production of ultra-clean pulp from 43,000 MT in its first year up to more than 115,000 MT annually in its third year and beyond.
