Tembec launches biomass-fed turbine at Tartas mill

This green energy investment of 16 million euros (C$21 million) was announced in December 2010 as part of the company's strategy to make the mill a key facility in its core specialty cellulose business. The new turbine has been in operation since June.

According to Tembec, the new turbine, driven by a biomass boiler, will increase the Tartas mill's production of green electricity and improve its energy self-sufficiency, while surplus green electricity will be sold to the EDF utility, benefiting the community at large. All this will reduce costs for the Tartas mill, improving Tembec's competitive position in the high-growth specialty cellulose industry.

The high-purity specialty cellulose manufactured by the Tartas mill is in great demand by such industries as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, personal care, food and construction. Specialty cellulose is used in various applications as a binder, texturizer, splatter-control agent and strengthening agent.

In an address to dignitaries and employees who gathered for the event, Tembec President and CEO James Lopez said that, "Tembec is a world leader in specialty cellulose production and we intend to remain a preferred supplier to sophisticated, demanding customers everywhere on the planet. Our total investment in the Tartas mill of over 100 million euros in 10 years demonstrates our commitment and our confidence in the management, personnel and partners of our business in France.”