ND Paper Produces First Roll of Paper on R12 Machine at Rumford Mill

ND Paper’s Rumford Mill in Maine has successfully produced the first roll of paper on its R12 paper machine following several weeks of testing and production trials.

The company has not disclosed the grade of paper produced during the initial run or confirmed whether it has made a final decision to restart the machine.

R12 had been idle for more than two years due to unfavorable market conditions. Its latest production milestone brings the machine closer to a potential return to service.

In 2020, ND Paper announced plans to expand its Rumford Division’s capabilities in packaging grades. As part of the broader project, the company planned to upgrade the R12 machine to manufacture specialty packaging grades, including natural kraft liner and unbleached packaging grades.

Before the project, R12 was configured to produce coated and uncoated freesheet paper.

The successful production of the first roll marks progress in the machine’s testing and trial process, although ND Paper has not provided details on its next steps or a timeline for a potential restart.