Sappi Fine Paper North America completes $49M in capital projects at its Somerset mill in Maine

BOSTON, MA, Dec. 16, 2010 (PRNewswire) - Sappi Fine Paper North America announced today that it has successfully completed capital projects totaling $49 million at its Somerset Mill in Skowhegan, Maine. The investment was comprised of a major capital project that upgraded recovery cycle equipment at the Somerset pulp mill, as well as 17 other related projects that improved manufacturing processes, all of which were completed on time with no interruptions to the mill's paper production.

Through the capital project, upgrades were made to the Somerset pulp mill's recovery boiler and evaporator system which enable the facility to process more black liquor, a renewable carbon neutral fuel that is generated as a byproduct of the pulping process. As a result, the Somerset Mill benefits from increased pulp production while improving energy efficiency and further reducing its carbon footprint. This recent investment ensures that the Somerset Mill continues to be globally competitive, reliable and environmentally sound.

The project also reflects Sappi's commitment to the sustainability of the Somerset Mill and the 800 plus jobs it provides in the community.

The Somerset Mill makes coated fine paper -- Opus and Somerset web, and Flo web and sheets, which is used for premium magazines and other high-end print communications, as well as Lusterprint, which is used for packaging.