Kruger announces $32m investment in Kamloops to implement new technology to make next-generation specialty pulps

Kruger Inc. announced a $32.4 million investment at its Kamloops Pulp Mill to implement innovative technology to diversify its product portfolio and expand into fast growing markets. In addition to improving Kruger Kamloops’ competitiveness, performance, and environmental footprint, this initiative will contribute to securing 340 jobs at the Mill, as well as 1,000 indirect jobs in B.C.

This project was announced during a press event held at the Kruger Kamloops facility in the presence of the Honourable Brenda Bailey, B.C.’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation; Eric Ashby, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Kruger Inc.; Roman Gallo, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Kruger’s Pulp and Paper Division; and Irene Preto, General Manager of the Kamloops Pulp Mill.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia are contributing $5 million each to this project through the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program (Canada) and the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund.

Significant environmental benefits
Kruger Kamloops’ new pulp washing system will enhance the plant’s effectiveness and significantly reduce inorganic material and talc in the finished product. The process will also result in a notable reduction in bleaching chemical usage.

This technology will be combined with advanced controls and AI-based capabilities to ensure that the pulp consistently meets the most stringent requirements for specialty products that require ultraclean pulp.

Slated for completion in 2026, the project will enable Kruger Kamloops to ramp up production of ultra-clean pulp from 43,000 MT in its first year up to more than 115,000 MT annually in its third year and beyond.