Plaster Rock, NB – An infrastructure investment of $2.5 million is being made by Twin Rivers Paper Company Inc. in its Plaster Rock mill. A third production shift will be added and 50 new employees will be hired.

“As a result of the government’s action and the new forestry strategy we will have access to a sustainable wood supply and will be able to continue investing in our company and providing jobs in our community,” says Jean Pierre Grenon, Vice President of Forestry and Sawmill Operations. “The strategy provides clarity and a path forward to make investments now and in the future.”

Forestry is the largest employer in New Brunswick. The forest strategy was developed to provide a plan for the forestry sector to be more sustainable and competitive.

“New Brunswick’s forestry sector was built by strong partners, and Twin Rivers’ investment in the Plaster Rock mill demonstrates that the future of our province’s biggest economic sector is as bright as its past,” said Premier David Alward. “This project will put boots in the woods and in our mills in the Plaster Rock region.”

The introduction of the new strategy and access to a sustainable wood supply will result in 230 employees at the Twin Rivers Plaster Rock operations, up from 180 employees. The 50 new jobs are to be in place by May 2014; and the new investment is anticipated to result in about 70 to 80 indirect jobs including in the woods and transport industry.

“Since we took the helm of Twin Rivers last June, our plan has always been to create a sustainable business that will be well positioned to thrive and grow over the long-term,” says Grenon. “The forestry strategy has strengthened our ability do this and for New Brunswick to compete on the world stage.”

Twin Rivers has been a vital economic engine for the region for over 80 years, producing specialty papers and lumber for multi-markets.