Kruger announces $32m investment in Kamloops

UPM Plywood is planning to permanently close its Jyväskylä plywood mill, which is producing spruce and birch plywood. The company starts a consultation process concerning the entire personnel working at the mill. UPM Jyväskylä plywood mill employs 167 people. The Profitability of Jyväskylä plywood mill has been weak for a long time, even during periods of high-demand. Despite investments as well as savings and improvement activities, the profitability has not improved to a sustainable level.

Metallized, Thermal, Cast Coated and Carbonless products impacted - Unsuccessful collective agreement negotiations between Lecta and the trade unions representing the labour force in the Leitza mill resulted in the trade unions starting an intermittent strike as of January 30. Despite all the efforts put in finding a reasonable solution to this issue, trade unions informed that the strike will become indefinite as of today. This unfortunate event will disrupt production schedule in the Leitza mill and will result in orders of the impacted products being postponed and/or cancelled. Lecta is taking all relevant measures to end this conflict as soon as possible and mitigate any inconvenience or disruption this unfortunate situation may have on our clients and is committed to restoring regular production schedule as soon as possible.

Following on the heels of Tony Mollica’s appointment to CEO of Twin Rivers, the company continues to build on its play to win strategy with the announcement of six new, highly experienced cross-functional team members. The team is well-positioned to realize company-wide strategic objectives as it drives advancements in innovation and productivity, as well as operational, commercial, and customer service excellence. Mark Lukacs has joined the company as Chief Operating Officer. Stepping into the newly created role of Chief Commercial Officer is Jeffrey Hederick who will work closely with Mollica and other senior leaders to enhance commercial excellence capabilities that drive growth and customer satisfaction. Hederick will lean on the business and customer insight of seasoned team members Tony Rigelman, Vice President of Sales, and Brian McAlary, Vice President of Business Development, Technical and Export Sales. John Graves has been appointed to Vice President of Innovation and Productivity, another newly created position. Mike Soucy, a Twin Rivers veteran of over 28 years, has been named General Manager of the Plaster Rock operation. John Bates, who has spent the past four years working with the New York mills in various capacities, has been named the Director of NY Operations. Rounding out the new team members is Jason Querze, Customer Service Manager.