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Norske Skog to Invest EUR 350 Million to Convert Two Newsprint Machines to Containerboard

Norske Skog Golbey Mill At the Golbey mill in France, approximately EUR 250 million is planned to be invested to convert PM1 from its current 235,000 tonnes of newsprint capacity to 555,000 tonnes of recycled containerboard capacity.

June 22, 2020 - Norske Skog will take a major step in its continued transformation towards a growing and high margin business by converting two newsprint paper machines into renewable containerboard production. The conversions at Golbey and Bruck will introduce 765,000 tonnes of competitive containerboard capacity to meet the growing demand for renewable packaging.

Following the conversions, both mills will have access to green energy and have reduced their carbon footprints to become among the best performers in the industry. Norske Skog will continue to be a reliable supplier of all publication paper grades after the planned conversions.

Newsprint capacity will be reduced with 360,000 tonnes, balancing the market for the Norske Skog's remaining European publication paper capacity.

"This is a milestone in Norske Skog's strategy to become a leading European packaging producer through conversion of publication paper capacity," said Norske Skog's Chair of the Board John Chiang, who also represents the largest shareholder Oceanwood. "We will continue to optimise our broad asset base to diversify within high-growth fibre segments, and maximise cash flows from the publication paper business."

Norske Skog plans to invest approximately EUR 350 million in the conversion projects over an 18-month period commencing in H2 2021. The investments are expected to generate an annual EBITDA of approximately EUR 70-80 million at full utilisation, based on historical prices for containerboard and recovered paper.

These investments represent the latest initiative in enhancing the circular and industrial ecosystems at the Golbey and Bruck mills. Containerboard production will be based on recycled fibre and will reduce the mills' electricity consumption. Boilers to be constructed at the sites will provide efficient and environmentally friendly off-take of residual materials, and in return generate green steam for sustainable containerboard and paper production and green electricity for the power grids.

Golbey Mill

At the Golbey mill in France, approximately EUR 250 million is planned to be invested to convert PM1 from its current 235,000 tonnes of newsprint capacity to 555,000 tonnes of leading recycled containerboard capacity. Following the conversion in 2023, Golbey will have 555,000 tonnes of recycled containerboard capacity and 330,000 tonnes of newsprint capacity.

Bruck Mill

At the Bruck mill in Austria, approximately EUR 90 million is planned to be invested to convert PM3 from its current 125,000 tonnes of newsprint capacity to 210,000 tonnes of recycled containerboard capacity. Following the conversion in 2023, Bruck will have 210,000 tonnes of recycled containerboard capacity and 265,000 tonnes of light-weight coated magazine capacity.

Final investment decisions are planned in the first half of 2021, and start of containerboard production in the first half of 2023. Production standstill at the machines that will be converted is limited to three months during the final stages of the conversions, and full utilisation is expected by the end of 2025.

About Norske Skog

Norske Skog is a world leading producer of publication paper with strong market positions and customer relations in Europe and Australasia. The Norske Skog Group operates four mills in Europe of which two will produce recycled containerboard following planned conversion projects. In addition, the Group operates two publication paper mills and a pellets facility in Australasia. Norske Skog aims to further diversify its operations and continue its transformation into a growing and high-margin business through a range of exciting fibre projects. The Group has approximately 2,300 employees in five countries with headquarters in Norway. For further information, visit: www.norskeskog.com

SOURCE: Norske Skog