CLICK THE BELOW LINK TO HEAR COMMENTS FROM STATE SEN. ED MCBROOM
State Reps. Greg Markkanen and Dave Prestin Thusrday night announced they were able to secure new funding for a $1 billion investment in Billerud, an advanced paper manufacturer in the Upper Peninsula.
While the two state reps made the announcement Thursday night, State Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Norway) was heavily involved in the process of getting the $200 million in state dollars to help the company with its expansion. It was included in Senate Bill 7 on Thursday.
“I’m grateful that the state has the opportunity to do that, that we can participate in this way and lay out some money to get the site ready,” McBroom told RRN News. “Get the infrastructure up to snuff, so that this company can come in and do their multi-billion dollar investment into our community and to the Upper Peninsula. It’s exciting to see it being revamped in such a way that we can be confident that it will be there for the next 60-to-100 years.”
The mill has been making paper since 1911. It’s one of the top employers in Delta County, and has an estimated $360 million annual economic impact on the area. Included in Thursday’s spending bill, Senate Bill 7, $200 million will be used to fund and facilitate the major investment. It will be used to help the paper mill to switch the type of products it makes and sends to the market.
“This is a monumental victory for the Upper Peninsula,” said Rep. Markkanen, R-Hancock, who helped to work on this project in the last legislative session. “Due to this investment, at least 1,240 jobs will be retained at the Escanaba facility. Further, much-needed machine and facility upgrades are now on the horizon. This will lead to a flurry of job opportunities, and a more vigorous U.P. The mill was recently facing closure, however this investment will keep the mill running, and set it up for generations to come.”
“This investment is so vital it will greatly benefit the entire state, not just the Upper Peninsula. We were able to change the course of an ever-important business in a declining market, ensuring it will now enter a growing market in the North American segment. It’s expected that some of the most advanced technology and sustainability will be introduced to the U.P., and frankly to the U.S. with this investment. This is the state fulfilling its obligation to the paper, cardboard and timber industries, and to the hard-working folks in the U.P.”
Prestin, R-Cedar River, is the newly-elected representative for the area that includes Escanaba.
“At a time when inflation is high and the costs of essentials for Michiganders and Yoopers alike has become such a burden, I’m extremely proud to announce this transformational, generational investment that will reaffirm our timber industry. Located in my district, Billerud employs thousands of hard-working Yoopers,” he said.
“Not only will over 1,200 jobs be retained, but the Michigan Economic Development Corporation estimates the investment will lead to nearly 2,000 employment opportunities for construction workers given the need for new buildings, renovations, infrastructure improvements and electrical upgrades. These jobs will pay an average of over $43 an hour, which is much higher than the target livable wages in surrounding communities. Local units of government already work well with the company. The Upper Peninsula will continue to be on the cutting edge of innovation, sustainability, and viability.”
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