Weyerhaeuser will wrap up a three-year, major improvement effort at its Springfield Containerboard mill this May. Since 1998, the mill has invested significant capital into its operation to enhance product quality, improve operating efficiency, and provide added protection for air and water quality. The mill employs 460 people and produces linerboard, the smooth inner and outer lining of corrugated cartons.

To complete the improvements, the mill has brought in a heavy duty, 370-foot crane that temporarily alters the Springfield city skyline. Towering nearly 30 stories, the crane will be used to install new equipment to better utilize the capacity of a boiler. The boiler recovers pulping chemicals for re-use, and generates steam and electricity. The crane will insert six modular components, each weighing 32 tons, through a temporary hole in the recovery building roof. The crane is expected to operate for about four weeks.

"Our employees are working hard to maintain the competitive success of Springfield Containerboard," said mill manager and vice president Randy Nebel. "This mill faces tough competition in both domestic and international markets. We must provide excellent product quality and environmental protection while we reduce operating costs."

A portion of the capital investments will help protect the environment. The mill will further reduce odor and air emissions, and raise the recovery rate of wood chip pulping chemicals beyond the current rate of 98 percent. Installation of new measuring equipment will more accurately measure water flow from plant site cooling ponds to the McKenzie River, improving overall water management.

Other investments will add safety features to employee work stations, increase machine productivity, and improve paper "printability" to enhance the appearance of printed graphics on shipping cartons.

Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE: WY), one of the world’s largest integrated forest products companies, was incorporated in 1900. In 1999, sales were $12.3 billion. It has offices or operations in 13 countries, with customers worldwide. Weyerhaeuser is principally engaged in the growing and harvesting of timber; the manufacture, distribution and sale of forest products; and real estate construction, development and related activities.

Weyerhaeuser Company

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