Norske Skog to Rebuild PM6 at Saugbrugs in NOK 850 Million Investment

Norske Skog has made a positive investment decision to rebuild paper machine 6 (PM6) at Norske Skog Saugbrugs in Halden. The investment of up to approximately NOK 850 million will enable flexible production of TMP-based kraftliner and SC magazine paper and represents a significant long-term commitment to continued industrial activity at Saugbrugs.

“The rebuild of PM6 represents an important step in securing a competitive and sustainable industrial future for Saugbrugs. The project combines our strong position and long-standing competence in publication paper with an attractive opportunity within fibre-based packaging. It will significantly improve the cost position of the mill and provide valuable flexibility to adapt production to future market developments. This investment will enable the continued growth of Norske Skog into packaging solutions which has been our strategic vision for many years,” says Geir Drangsland, CEO of Norske Skog.

PM6 was taken out of production following the rockslide at Saugbrugs in April 2023. Since then, Saugbrugs has operated PM4 and PM5 to serve the SC magazine paper market while evaluating alternatives for the future development of the site. New technology and extensive project development have enabled a solution where PM6 can be rebuilt for flexible production of both TMP-based kraftliner and SC magazine paper. Saugbrugs will continue to be a reliable and long-term supplier of high-quality SC magazine paper.

The rebuilt PM6 will have flexible annual production capacity of up to approximately 300 000 tonnes of TMP-based kraftliner or approximately 230 000 tonnes of SC magazine paper. Compared with the existing PM4 and PM5 production lines, PM6 is expected to have a materially improved cost position through more efficient energy consumption, a streamlined production process and reduced staffing requirements. Following start-up of PM6, production on PM4 and PM5 is planned to cease permanently without interruption of customer deliveries.

The new TMP-based kraftliner product will expand Norske Skog’s exposure to the growing fibre-based packaging market and complement the Group’s existing packaging paper activities. Based on high-quality virgin fibre, the product will particularly target lower grammages where customers increasingly demand strong and lightweight packaging solutions with excellent printability, a low fossil carbon footprint and suitability for food-contact applications.

“Saugbrugs has a highly competent organisation, high-quality fibre resources and established industrial infrastructure. By combining these strengths with a more efficient PM6 and increased product flexibility, we believe the project provides a strong platform for continued value creation here in Halden. The investment also demonstrates Norske Skog’s ambition to develop rather than phase out industrial activity where competitive solutions can be established,” says Anders Hauge Johansen, Mill Director of Norske Skog Saugbrugs.

Detailed engineering and preparatory activities will continue in parallel with a planned sale of the PM6 building and property and entering a leaseback agreement for the same assets, a potential sale of the Saugbrugs administration office, and project financing measures over the coming period to cover the investment. Start-up of PM6 is expected during the first half of 2028.

In parallel, Norske Skog Saugbrugs will continue to explore the opportunity for an 80–100 MW data centre development on available parts of the Saugbrugs site alongside continued fibre processing operations. The combination of a rebuilt PM6, NND’s decommissioning activities and a potential data centre could support substantial future investment, employment, industrial activity and positive regional economic effects in Halden.