Sappi North America is moving ahead with its plans for a $25 million capital project to update its Somerset Mill woodyard in Skowhegan.
The global paper and packing products manufacturer will be modernizing its wood debarking, chipping and chip distribution systems.
Tony Ouellette, managing director at the Skowhegan mill, says it will be the first upgrade in that aspect of the operation in 40 years.
“Specifically we’re going to be replacing our wood debarking, chipping and chip distribution systems, which basically date back to the opening of the mill in the mid-1970s,” he says. “The upgrades will be made to the log infeed, debarker, chipper and the chip transfer system, really increasing the efficiency in the overall productivity of the woodyard.”
Ouellette says the upgrades and efficiencies are not expected to result in a reduction in the work force.
“It will have very little effect on the manpower needs of the mill,” he says. “Basically, we’re very efficient now with our manpower needs. This will basically enable us to ensure that our wood supply is handled as efficiently and economically as possible for the future of this mill.”
The commissioning of the new system will be complete by the end of Nov. 2017, following a temporary woodyard shutdown for installation. The improvements are expected to improve reliability, reduce white wood losses and costs as well as enhance efficiency gains through the increased production of wood chips.