February 3, 1998
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Chip receiving project under way in Corner Brook

Corner Brook Pulp and Paper is investing $2 million in the construction of a chip receiving facility at its mill in Corner Brook. The facility will have a payload capacity of 65 tonnes. The construction of the facility is being contracted locally and will provide 154 person weeks of work.

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, is pleased with Corner Brook Pulp and Paper's move as it is a more efficient use of the province's timber supply. The minister said: "Government is working with Corner Brook Pulp and Paper and the communities to enhance employment opportunities by upgrading older, inefficient sawmills and converting them into integrated mills producing both lumber and pulpwood chips. The chip receiving facility supports government's initiative to promote better utilization of the resource through more emphasis on integrated sawmill operations." Slabs will now be converted into pulpchips instead of being discarded or wasted in landfills. The integration of small sawmills will provide for more stable and viable lumbering operations in rural communities.

Contact: David Wells, Communications, (709) 729-6183.