Crofton mill will restart 1 production line

Catalyst Paper today announced that it will restart one line of pulp production at its Crofton NBSK kraft mill on Vancouver Island, given improved market conditions. The kraft pulp mill was indefinitely curtailed in February of this year - removing approximately 400,000 tonnes of annual capacity.

"Pulp markets have improved in recent weeks with stronger demand and pricing," said Richard Garneau, president and chief executive officer. "Better markets enable the restart on one of the two lines of our kraft mill. But chip supply is limited and fibre availability is expected to remain challenging through the balance of this year."

The restart is scheduled for early October and will result in 104 employees being recalled from layoff. Restart on the one line will add 210,000 tonnes of pulp capacity on an annualized basis. Production will continue as long as markets, mill costs, and fibre availability support it.

Source: Catalyst Paper