LPC Group, Leicester, U.K., reports that it is planning to develop a second U.K. tissue paper mill close to its base, in Leicester that will create 100 new jobs. The company said the move will help strengthen its position as a supplier of private label tissue products in the U.K., expanding its production capacity there up 135,000 metric tpy. LPC says that building the new mill close to its other processing plants will reduce its carbon footprint by producing more paper locally and minimizing road transport between the processing centers.
Salim Tejani, LPC group project director, notes that "currently the U.K. is a net importer of paper, and as a group we remain a large buyer. Building an additional paper mill near our other plants in Leicester ensures we can import less paper into the U.K., reduce our carbon footprint, and continue the drive to further improve service to our customers."
Expansion of the company's operation is not just limited to its Leicester base. With investment planned in its European operations in Duffel (Belgium) and Roanne (France), the company also expects to create new jobs at these sites. Upgrading the Roanne site is planned early this year while the company is aiming to begin construction of the new U.K. site in the second half of next year, subject to the necessary planning approvals.
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