Norske Skog, strategic review process to reposition its Tasman newsprint mill in New Zealand

Norske Skog, due to the likely irreversible and rapid negative impact that COVID-19 has had on the newsprint industry in the region, has engaged in a broad process to identify alternative production options to reposition the Tasman newsprint mill at Kawerau industrial site in New Zealand.

Norske Skog will perform a strategic review process for the Tasman newsprint mill, which is located at the Kawerau industrial site close to the east coast of the North Island. The mill has a total annual production capacity of 150,000 tonnes. Several options for the long term future of this industrial site are being considered. Once a preferred option is identified, a proposal will be put forward for consultation with employees at the mill. One option, which is currently being developed, is to establish a BCTMP (bleached chemical thermo-mechanical pulp) facility at the mill site. KPMG has been engaged to assist Norske Skog with the review process.

Norske Skog Tasman is a manufacturer and supplier of directory, newsprint, improved newsprint and book paper products to publishers and print media organisations in New Zealand and overseas. The mill, which has one paper machine, PM3, is an entirely virgin fibre mill and uses sustainably managed plantation radiata pine.