South African company investing millions in Maine's paper industry

Posted on : Monday , 29th August 2016

Sappi Fine Paper North America is investing $25 million on new equipment at the company's Skowhegan wood yard in a show of faith in a troubled paper industry.

The mill's managing director says the investment shows the South African company is committed to Maine for the long term. The move follows a $60 million investment in equipment and environmental safeguards put into the mill since 2011.

Maine's longstanding papermaking industry has struggled in recent years. A mill in Madison was the fifth to close in the last two years when it shut its doors in May.

The Morning Sentinel reports work on Sappi's project is expected to begin in October and continue for most of 2017. The company expects to add 50 to 100 temporary construction jobs during work.