HANOVER, Germany,
March 6, 2011
(Press Release) -
After three years, $1.6 million in upgrades and environmental cleanup, Ox Paperboard is positioned to upgrade West Virginia's oldest continuous manufacturing site and provide a solid foundation for its future. In February, Ox announced plans to upgrade and rebuild its number one paper machine as well as close the loop on its effluent water discharge. The project will include rebuilding its screening and stock prep area as well as adding late model paper making technology that uses less water and energy during the paper making process. Ox has been working with Ashland Chemical and Garratt-Callahan to better manage its process water. The mill currently recycles 1.3 million gallons of process water a day and with the addition of the upgraded paper machine and automated controls OX will be able to close the loop for its effluent process water. Any extra water can be sent for condensing or back into the paper making process. The project upgrades are expected to be completed before August 2011.
Ox purchased the assets of the former struggling Halltown Paperboard in December of 2007 saving 75 jobs. Since that time Ox has had an uphill battle remediating the 140 year old 53 acre property as well as surviving the financial crisis and downturn in the economy. "We knew we had a tough road ahead when we purchased the property but I don't believe anyone really knew the size of the hurdles required ahead of us." said Kevin Hayward President of Ox Paperboard. "Our employees have been through a lot and I am proud to say that, because of their hard work, they are 100% directly responsible for our success. We have been a valuable asset to the local community for over 140 years and we will continue to improve our process to ensure that tradition continues." said Hayward. Since the beginning, Ox has upgraded machine controls to ensure quality products, improved safety conditions to provide a safe work environment and performed environmental site assessments to maintain environmental stewardship.
When completed Ox will hire an additional 20 employees and produce an estimated 75,000 tons per year of paper made from recycled waste fibers such as curb side trash, old corrugated containers, and old newspapers and books.According to statistics provided by the American Forest and Paper Association, the Ox production of recycled paper would save approximately 1.27 million trees a year from harvest, 5.9 million gallons of oil, and 250,000 cubic yards of land fill space per year. Ox Paperboard's Halltown West Virginia paper mill was founded in 1869 and is the oldest continuing manufacturing site in the state.
