The Felix Schoeller Group is systematically implementing its growth program for North America.
Starting in 2023, capacities at the company’s sites in the USA and Canada will be significantly expanded in three steps.
In the first step, a new silicone coater will be installed at the Pulaski, New York, site in mid-2023. This will enable the company to supply the North American market with domestically produced siliconised papers and films. In doing so, the company is relying not only on solvent-free silicone technology, but adding solvent-based silicone technology to its portfolio.
The second step is the expansion of the paper machine capacity in Drummondville, Canada, from currently 32,000 tons to over 40,000 tons per year. This increase is scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2023. And finally, the specialty paper manufacturer plans to invest in the construction of a second paper machine for the North American market. The plan is to add up to 50,000 tons of capacity for the décor and release liner markets. During project planning, the location and details of the technical equipment will be determined.
The total investment for the production of high-quality décor papers and release liners in the North American sites is expected to exceed 100 million US dollars.
Hans-Christoph Gallenkamp, CEO of the Felix Schoeller Group, said, ‘With the significant expansion of our product capabilities and capacities in North America, we are following the plan of consistently expanding our local supply strategy. We are and always want to be present with our own productions in the markets where our customers are at home.
‘The decor paper market in North America is showing consistently good momentum and will continue to grow in the coming years, partly due to population growth, the resulting demand for housing and the associated investments by the wood-based materials industry.’
Michael Szidat, who is responsible for the business in North and South America, said, ‘With the project for a new paper machine, we are opening a new chapter for Felix Schoeller in North America. In the future, we will be able to offer reliable supply with local service not only to our customers for high-quality décor papers, but in addition to our key market for release liners. The Covid crisis has proven the importance of domestic manufacturing for the flexibility and reliability we promise our customers.’
