Alberta Newsprint Company has one paper machine with the capacity to produce 747 metric tonnes per day of newsprint, book papers and high bright papers. The mill also produces pulp.
Aug. 19, 2026 - The Government of Alberta (Canada) said that it is investing more than $1.5 million through the Investment and Growth Fund to help secure the almost $50-million expansion of Whitecourt Newsprint Company Ltd., which operates as Alberta Newsprint Company. The project will modernize the company's Whitecourt facility, enabling it to produce multiple grades of paper rather than relying as heavily on conventional newsprint.
The expansion will create 13 permanent full-time jobs and 25 temporary construction jobs while helping retain more than 220 existing positions. It will also allow the company to manufacture higher-value products and compete in evolving markets.
"Our government is proud to support Alberta Newsprint Company's expansion in Whitecourt," said Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration. "This investment strengthens our forestry sector, supports jobs in rural communities and reinforces that Alberta is the best place to do business."
Alberta Newsprint Company is Alberta's only newsprint mill and plays a critical role in the province's forestry supply chain by turning Alberta wood fibre into paper products. Modernizing the facility will help the company remain competitive while supporting a stronger, more resilient forestry industry.
Mike Putzke, general manager, Alberta Newsprint Company, commented, "This investment supports Alberta Newsprint Company's continued modernization and helps position our Whitecourt facility for long-term competitiveness. We appreciate the Government of Alberta's support as we diversify our products, strengthen our operations, and support good-paying jobs in rural Alberta communities like Whitecourt."
The Investment and Growth Fund (IGF) is an invite only deal-closing incentive designed to be offered in select late-stage investment decisions when there are demonstrable barriers to making a final investment decision in Alberta. It focuses on securing high-impact private sector investments that create new, well-paying jobs, spur economic growth and enhance Alberta's productivity. The IGF program targets new investments and expansion projects located across the province.
Alberta's first and only paper mill, Alberta Newsprint Company, began operation in August 1990. The integrated pulp and paper operation is a joint venture of The Stern Group (Whitecourt Newsprint Company Limited Partnership) and West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. The mill has one paper machine with the capacity to produce 747 metric tonnes per day of newsprint, book papers and high bright papers. The mill also produces pulp.
SOURCE: Government of Alberta and Alberta Newsprint Company