Green packaging and tissue products manufacturer Cascades is investing $80m to build a new containerboard packaging facility in Piscataway, New Jersey, US.
The new center, which is due to start operations in 2018, will produce corrugated packaging products and create 120 jobs.
On completion of the installation, the overall annual production will be over 2.4bnft², which will represent a 5% rise in the integration rate. The corrugated packaging plants will operate in an area covering 400000ft².
The State of New Jersey, Middlesex County and the City of Piscataway will aid Cascades in the construction project.
Cascades president and CEO Mario Plourde said: "The investment announced today, which is already included in our capital expenditure budget, is part of the deployment of our strategic plan that aims specifically to modernize our assets and increase the integration rate between our primary production and conversion activities.
“It is also part of our continuing process to reorganize and consolidate our containerboard and packaging activities in the northeastern United States. This investment will help us better serve our customers and boost our production capacity, thus increasing our market positioning."
Cascades Containerboard Packaging president and CEO Charles Malo said: “The Piscataway conversion plant will have state-of-the-art technology and will be among the fastest in the industry. It will offer increased flexibility and allow us to provide more efficient and innovative products to meet our customers' needs.
“Located close to the major urban centres along the eastern seaboard of the United States, the site was also chosen because it has room for subsequent development. This important investment strengthens our position and continues our growth.”
Cascades, established in 1964, produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products made up of recycled fibres.
With a workforce of over 11000, the firm operates 90 production units located across North America and Europe.
