Billerud Cancels Expansion, Yet Remains Committed to Facility
Officials with Billerud announced in late May that the company will not go through with a major $1 billion expansion and conversion to cardboard production at its Escanaba, Mich. plant. The move comes after Michigan committed to more than $200 million in incentives to support the project. Company executives said current market dynamics don’t support such a plan, yet they remain committed to the plant and its three paper machines as a key part of their North American strategy.
The company acquired the Escanaba plant from Verso in 2022, and the facility remains a major market for the region’s loggers who supply pulpwood and hog fuel to the facility. While the local economy and forest products interests were disappointed with the announcement, Billerud executives say they will continue to invest in technology and efficiency at the plant.
Latest News
New From Waratah: H216 Hardwood Head
Waratah Forestry Equipment has added to the 200 series lineup with the H216—a new two-roller head built for hardwood. The H216 is strong enough to handle the toughest tree forms with accuracy and efficiency. Its simple design with excellent feed power, delimbing, and large cut capacity provide productive tree harvesting. Weighing in at 3,296 lb., the H216 is ideal for hardwood harvesting, late or final thinnings. Floating roller arms allow for superior and easy tree horizontal movement and easy log transport through the head. High performance single or multi-speed options keep timber moving quickly.
Oregon Undertaking Forest Workforce Study
As part of its education funding bill, Oregon is undertaking a forestry workforce study. Led by Associated Oregon Loggers’ Amanda Sullivan-Astor, forest policy manager, who was instrumental in its passage, the legislation tasked the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission to evaluate the forest sector workforce and analyze career paths, capacities, demographics, benefits, needs, recruitment and retention.
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