Cascades Expands Eau Claire Operations with $6M Investment

Cascades is moving forward with a $6 million expansion at its Eau Claire facility, a project expected to create 36 new jobs over the next two years and reinforce Wisconsin’s role as a key hub for the paper and tissue industry.

The project is supported by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), which has approved up to $200,000 in performance-based state income tax credits. The final value of the incentives will depend on the number of jobs created and the level of capital investment completed by the company.

Cascades’ investment centers on the installation of a state-of-the-art converting line, described as one of the most advanced in the company’s asset portfolio. The new equipment will enable the introduction of premium product lines, expand converting capacity and improve integration rates, strengthening the company’s market coverage in the region.

“Wisconsin’s paper industry leads the nation because of our companies’ commitment to innovation,” said Sam Rikkers, deputy secretary and chief operating officer of WEDC. He added that Cascades’ decision to expand in Eau Claire reflects both the state’s strong industrial base and its alignment with sustainable manufacturing practices.

According to Hugues Simon, the project forms part of a broader repositioning of Cascades’ tissue production platform. Announced in 2023, the strategy focuses on operating fewer sites while strengthening commercial performance and responsiveness to market shifts.

“The addition of this converting line allows Cascades to increase capacity, improve integration and better serve our customers,” Simon said, noting that the investment also deepens the company’s long-standing presence in Wisconsin.

Local and state officials have welcomed the expansion, citing its contribution to regional employment, industrial competitiveness and the long-term vitality of Wisconsin’s paper manufacturing sector.

Source: Paper Advance