Kruger unveils C$700 million Project Tuckamore to transform Corner Brook Pulp and Paper

Kruger has outlined a C$700 million investment plan for Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited that will modernize forestry operations, transform paper production, expand renewable energy generation and upgrade hydroelectric assets as part of a long-term strategy for the mill.

The project, known as Project Tuckamore, was presented by Darren Pelley, Kruger's vice-president of special projects, during a luncheon hosted by the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade. Pelley described the initiative as a "generational change" designed to secure the long-term future of the company's operations in Corner Brook, Deer Lake and the surrounding region.

Kruger said the investment responds to declining revenues from the newsprint market by leveraging the region's skilled workforce, sustainable wood supply and renewable energy resources.

The project consists of four integrated components: forestry modernization, mill upgrades, a new wind farm and hydroelectric improvements.

Under the forestry plan, Kruger will shift its harvesting strategy to prioritize sawlog production for the sawmill sector. Annual sawlog production is expected to increase from 155,000 cubic metres to 515,000 cubic metres. The company also plans to introduce new harvesting equipment, revise its contractor model and double its silviculture program.

At the Corner Brook mill, paper production will transition to using wood chips from sawmill residuals instead of whole logs. The mill will operate a single paper machine, with the No. 7 machine producing newsprint, while new equipment, structural improvements, heating and ventilation upgrades, and new control systems will be installed. Kruger said the changes are intended to support future product diversification rather than reduce operations.

A new wind farm with a planned capacity of 155 megawatts will be constructed within Kruger's timber limits approximately 23 kilometres inland from Massey Drive. The development is expected to include between 17 and 22 wind turbines and will be connected to the provincial electricity grid through new transmission infrastructure. Kruger said the project would make Corner Brook Pulp and Paper the first mill globally to produce paper using wind energy.

The company also plans to expand biomass handling by installing larger storage facilities and a drying system that will use excess steam from the mill. Biomass will fuel the cogeneration unit, allowing the company to generate additional firm power and eliminate the use of oil.

Hydroelectric investments will focus on Deer Lake Power and the Watson's Brook generating station. Planned work includes plant upgrades, advanced control systems, replacement of penstocks three and four at Main Dam, and improvements to the Humber Canal through new earth berms. Kruger said the upgrades will improve water management while increasing reliable electricity capacity for Newfoundland and Labrador's grid.

According to the company, Project Tuckamore is expected to create 575 full-time equivalent construction jobs and generate more than C$50 million in local economic impact during construction. Once operational, the project is projected to support 1,000 direct jobs, including 377 positions at Corner Brook Pulp and Paper. Kruger said the investment will also support growth in the provincial sawmill sector, create conditions to repay its existing loan from the Newfoundland government and add reliable power capacity to support future economic development.