International Paper's Largest Lumber Mill Prepares for $24 Million Modernization in North Carolina

---

Researched by Industrialinfo.com (Industrial Information Resources, Incorporated; Houston, Texas). The process of pouring concrete for foundations is underway at the International Paper (NYSE:IP) (Stamford, Connecticut) sawmill complex in Riegelwood, North Carolina, in preparation for a $24 million modernization project. More than a year into the planning and engineering phase, the company recently gave the green light to a project that would essentially replace the current log processing line with a new curve saw gang and sharp chain system, upgrades to the mill electrical distribution system and relocation of an edger. Major construction will kick off by mid-March with erection of structural steel and will continue through the end of May. The mill will shut down from May 27, 2005, to June 28, 2005 to tie in the new equipment and relocate the edger.

In terms of capacity, the Ardmore mill is the largest among International Paper's group of sawmills, with annual production of 210 million board feet. The mill bears the name of Ardmore because of its proximity to the small community of Ardmore, near Riegelwood. IP acquired the sawmill, along with a large pulp and paper complex, in a merger with Federal Paper Board in 1996.

Mid-South Engineering Company (Hot Springs, Arkansas) is providing engineering services for the project, while the construction phase is being managed by a team of International Paper corporate and plant employees.

International Paper is the world's largest paper and forest products company. Businesses include paper, packaging, and forest products. As one of the largest private forest landowners in the world, the company manages its forests under the principles of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) program, a system that ensures the perpetual planting, growing, and harvesting of trees, while protecting wildlife, plants, soil, air and water quality. International Paper has operations in over 40 countries and sells its products in more than 120 nations.

View Project Report - 15001674

Industrialinfo.com is the leading provider of global industrial market research. We specialize in helping companies develop information solutions to maximize their sales and marketing efforts.