‘Historic’ investment will bring new machinery to Escanaba paper mill

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) - The Billerud paper mill in Escanaba will receive the U.P.’s largest investment ever. Those who made the more than a billion-dollar investment possible were honored on Friday at Northern Michigan University.

“We wanted to thank those that were really difference makers in helping secure that investment. We honored 13 people here today that without their incredible, tireless effort, that investment wouldn’t have happened,” said Marty Fittante, the CEO of Invest U.P.

This was made possible by a $200 million investment from the state. Fittante calls it “historic,” saying it’s the fastest legislation has signed a bill into law since 1947.

“Just a heartfelt appreciation from the region to all those administrators, legislatures, stakeholders from around the state that really made this possible,” said Fittante.

This will bring in a new machine to the mill, changing the products produced. The mill will make carton board — like the boxes your smartphones come in.

The mill will retain its current employees and add more than 1,000 jobs during the construction process.