Whitecourt (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government is putting more than $1.5 million toward the expansion of Alberta Newsprint Company’s Whitecourt facility, backing an almost $50-million modernization project aimed at strengthening the province’s forestry industry and creating new employment opportunities.
The funding is being provided through Alberta’s Investment and Growth Fund. The expansion is expected to allow the mill to produce multiple grades of paper and move into higher-value products, helping the company respond to changing market demand.
Expansion to create 13 permanent jobs
The project is expected to generate 13 permanent full-time positions along with 25 temporary construction jobs during the expansion work.
It will also help protect more than 220 existing jobs at the Whitecourt operation, providing a boost to the local economy and the broader forestry supply chain.
Alberta Newsprint Company operates the province’s only newsprint mill, converting locally sourced wood fibre into paper products. The planned modernization is intended to improve the facility’s competitiveness while allowing it to diversify its production.
Government highlights rural economic benefits
Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Minister Joseph Schow said the investment would support employment in rural Alberta while strengthening the forestry sector.
Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Lowen also pointed to the industry’s importance to communities across northern and rural Alberta, saying investments in mills and related operations help sustain jobs throughout the sector.
West Yellowhead MLA Martin Long said the Whitecourt mill has an important role in the local economy and described the expansion as an opportunity to secure employment and support the facility’s long-term growth.
Company plans to diversify production
Alberta Newsprint Company General Manager Mike Putzke said the government support would assist the company in modernizing its Whitecourt operations and broadening its product range.
The company expects the investment to help it remain competitive while continuing to provide employment in Whitecourt and surrounding rural communities.
The provincial government said the project is in line with the objectives of the Investment and Growth Fund, which is designed to attract private investment, support job creation and encourage economic development across Alberta.
The Whitecourt expansion comes as Alberta seeks to strengthen value-added activity in its natural-resource industries and maintain the competitiveness of its forestry sector.
