Sappi completes US$500M expansion at Somerset Mill

USA – Sappi North America has finalized a transformative US$500 million expansion at its Somerset Mill in Skowhegan, Maine.

According to the company, Project Elevate, which revamped Paper Machine No. 2 (PM2), has doubled the machine’s capacity, positioning the facility as a leading hub for high-performance solid bleached sulfate (SBS) paperboard. 

The upgraded mill is now delivering commercial products, with full production expected by 2026.

“This investment goes beyond machinery; it’s about laying the foundation for long-term innovation, sustainable growth, and lasting impact,” said Michael Haws, president and CEO of Sappi North America, in a statement. 

The project, initiated in 2022, follows a US$200 million upgrade to Paper Machine No. 1 in 2018, reflecting Sappi’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure to meet rising demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions.

The expanded PM2 is designed to produce approximately 470,000 tonnes of SBS paperboard annually, catering to diverse applications such as folding cartons, foodservice boards, and cups.

“Product from the new machine is now commercially available, delivering the same high standards of quality and performance our customers expect,” stated Kirk Ross, vice-president of manufacturing at Sappi North America. 

“With increased capacity, we’re able to meet growing demand with greater speed, consistency, and responsiveness.”

The facility’s advanced technology ensures superior product quality, enabling Sappi to serve both domestic and international markets effectively. 

The project has also had a significant economic impact, employing around 1,000 contractors at its peak and supporting the mill’s 780 permanent workers, making Sappi one of Maine’s largest employers.

In a recent development, a report highlighted Sappi’s ongoing sustainability efforts, noting that the company’s focus on renewable resources has earned it recognition among the top 4% of firms evaluated by EcoVadis for sustainable practices. 

This accolade highlighted Sappi’s strategic moe toward environmentally responsible production, further solidified by the Somerset Mill’s upgrades. 

The mill’s use of water from the Kennebec River, treated and returned at a 93% rate, exemplifies its commitment to environmental stewardship.

“This upgrade strengthens our community and ensures the mill’s vitality for decades to come,” Blue Keim, managing director of operations at Somerset Mill, emphasized. 

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE