Billerud will sell its idled Wisconsin Rapids paper mill

Billerud has reached terms with the Capital Recovery Group, LLC (CRG, LLC) for the sale of the idled Wisconsin Rapids Mill and related assets. This decision follows a thorough exploration of viable and sustainable alternatives for the mill since its idling in July 2020.

“This facility plays a key role in converting rolls of paper produced at our Escanaba and Quinnesec mills into folio and digital sheets, as well as sheeting cartonboard imported from our European mills. Our Midwest facilities are strategically located to ensure that we can continue to deliver our products quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively to meet our customers’ needs,” the company said.

“We take immense pride in the rich legacy of the Wisconsin Rapids Mill within the paper and pulp industry and its contributions to the local community. Looking ahead, we are eager to continue this legacy through our converting facility, which will not only preserve over 130 jobs in the area but also indirectly support numerous roles across our supply chain,” Billerud said.

The Investment group PCR Rapids 1, LLC (PCR) said that it has reached terms with Billerud Americas Corporation for the purchase of the idled Wisconsin Rapids Mill and associated assets and soon will initiate a globally marketed effort to identify parties interested in buying the entire mill site or select portions.

According to PCR, the Wisconsin Rapids Mill site consists of approximately 1,400 acres of land, one million square feet of building space, and roughly over one mile of frontage on the Wisconsin River. The available assets include a paper and pulp mill, support services buildings, parking lots, pre-cleared and undeveloped lots, and large stretches of residential and commercial land.