Kruger Inc. invests in Quebec mills

Montréal-based Kruger Inc. says it has invested heavily in its Quebec packaging sector operations, with a recent CA$250 million ($191 million) expenditure at its Trois-Rivières facility to convert from newsprint production to recycled-content containerboard followed by recent CA$20 million ($15.3 million) modernization projects at its Place Turcot and LaSalle mills.

The LaSalle Packaging Plant has received a new converting line, according to Kruger, that will operate around the clock and account for more than one-third of the plant’s ability “to meet growing demand in the eco-friendly packaging sector.”

At the Place Turcot mill adjacent to downtown Montréal, which Kruger refers to as “North America’s pioneer in 100 percent recycled containerboard,” investments have been made to reduce both emissions and water usage. The Place Turcot containerboard mill was one of the first in North America to manufacture 100 percent recycled-content containerboard, according to Kruger, beginning in 1961.

Since 2015, Kruger says it has invested more than CA$500 million ($383 million) in its facilities in Québec to convert existing equipment, purchase new equipment, modernize some facilities, and diversify into new growth products.

Kruger Inc. was founded in 1904 and makes tissue products; containerboard; corrugated packaging; publication papers; specialty papers; biomaterials; and also produces energy and wines and spirits. The company has facilities in Québec, Ontario, British Columbia, and Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, and in Tennessee, Maine, New York, Virginia and Rhode Island in the United States.