Cascades to integrate boxboard, containerboard ops

-- Converting Magazine, 3/25/2008

Quebec-based Cascades (www.cascades.com) says March 18 that it will integrate its North American boxboard operations with its containerboard operations (Norampac). The move will enhance the sharing of technology while creating a larger packaging group that will be better able to respond to the needs of customers in the US and Canada, the company says.

Cascades Boxboard Group in North America includes four coated boxboard mills, 12 converting plants and employs nearly 3,000 employees. Following the consolidation, Norampac will be comprised of approximately 50 manufacturing and converting units and over 7,560 employees in the packaging sector. Management of the converting activities for the quick-service restaurant industry (Dopaco) as well as that of the boxboard activities in Europe will not be affected by this reorganization.

“This reorganization follows Cascades' strategic plan and aims to enhance the performance of our boxboard sector,” says Alain Lemaire, Cascades president/CEO. “In providing additional tools to improve our profitability, the new structure will create a first-rate more competitive player in the packaging industry.”