New Norfolk making paper for Australasia

THE Boyer Mill is presently the only manufacturer of newsprint in Australasia following the suspending of production in New Zealand due to the coronavirus pandemic. Newsprint is the specialist paper designed for high-speed newspaper printing presses.

Owner Norske Skog has halted paper production at its Tasman mill in New Zealand due to strict national lockdown restrictions there. The company's production of wood pellets in New Zealand has been deemed essential for domestic, industrial and public heating.

"We are currently rearranging our supply chain in the entire Australasian region to reflect the situation," the company said in a statement.

With the closure and sale of Norske Skog's Albury mill late last year, and the temporary closure in New Zealand, the Boyer mill at New Norfolk is temporarily the only manufacturer of newsprint for newspapers in the Australasian region. It is understood both of Boyer's machines are producing newsprint at present. One machine is generally used for the production of high-quality coated paper.

Norske Skog's Boyer mill.

"Norske Skog has and will closely monitor the development of the coronavirus, and corresponding effects on our supply chains and markets," chief executive Sven Ombudstvedt said. "Norske Skog will adjust operational activity to market response.

“Our top priority is to ensure the health and safety for our employees. The challenge in the long run will be to secure both in- and out-bound logistics of raw materials and finished goods," Mr Ombudstvedt said. "However, we are confident that we will meet customer needs and expectations also in this situation. We will continue to communicate closely with suppliers, customers, other stakeholders and the financial market."