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The 2000s:
Meeting new challenges |
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Upon entering the new millennium, the scope of the tissue paper sector grew in 2001 with the acquisition of the mills in Pennsylvania and in Wisconsin. Two years later, the group sustained its momentum and set up shop in Alberta, in New York, in Arizona, in Oregon and in Tennessee. In 2004, the boxboard sector stood out with its acquisition of Dopaco Inc., a leader in the packaging products sector destined for the quick service restaurant industry. Not to be left out, Norampac proceeded with the implementation, between 2001 and 2006, of several ultra-modern corrugated cardboard mills in Canada and in the United States.
An appreciating Canadian dollar, an increase in energy prices and the cost of fibre, fierce competition: the years 2000s also had their fill of challenges for Cascades, which forced it to implement a significant rationalization plan. This process resulted in, namely, the closure of mills in Thunder Bay, Montréal, Red Rock, Pickering, Buffalo and Boissy le Chatel. In 2005, the company also proceeded with the sale of its fine papers (Cascades Resources) and its tissue paper (Wood Wyant) distribution assets.
By concentrating its operations in growth area sectors such as packaging and tissue paper, Cascades proves that it can still excel, even in difficult economic conditions. The company has clearly shown that with the purchase of Domtar's shares in Norampac in 2006 and the merger of its European boxboard operations with Reno de Medici in 2007, two transactions that consolidate its position as a leader in the containerboard and boxboard sectors.
In 2008, North-American boxboard activities were integrated into Normapac's cartonboard activities. In addition to creating synergy, this integration allowed better sharing of technology and led to the creation of a larger packaging group to better meet the needs of clients in Canada and the United States.
In 2011, Cascades named Mario Plourde Chief Operating Officer, thus enabling Alain Lemaire, President and Chief Executive Officer, to devote more time to the strategic vision of the company. Also in 2011, Cascades sold Dopaco Inc., its paper cup and carton converting business for the quick-service restaurant and foodservice industries, to Reynolds Group Holdings Limited. Net proceeds from the transaction will mainly be used to pay down Cascades' debt.
In keeping with its origins but definitely being forward-looking, Cascades is banking on its products that contain a high percentage of recycled fibres to distinguish itself from the competition, while remaining committed to the principles of sustainable development that is so dear to its corporate philosophy. Cascades also demonstrates that it understands that only innovation and the marketing of environmentally sound products will guarantee its future success.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Cascades Web site. Here, you will find an overview of our operations and, I hope, the answers to any questions you may have about any of the companies that make up the Cascades Group. I am sure that you will notice the diversity of our value-added products as well as the entrepreneurial spirit of our people, a direct result of the importance we give to the human factor within our organization. Make yourself at home, and feel free to contact us if you require any additional information. 
