Kingsey Falls, August 26, 2013 – Cascades Inc., a leader in recovery and the production of green packaging and tissue products, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2014, and will highlight the occasion by opening a new footbridge over the Nicolet River in the community of Kingsey Falls. The announcement was made by Laurent Lemaire, the company's Executive Vice-Chairman of the Board, in the company of his brother Alain, Executive Chairman of the Board, and Mario Plourde, President and Chief Executive Officer.
In collaboration with the municipality, the company wants to celebrate its 50 years of existence by providing a meaningful and long-lasting legacy to the inhabitants of the region. The footbridge, made of recovered materials, will serve as a symbolic link between the company’s rich past and its promising future.
"We are very close to the people in this region. They adopted us, supported us, and helped make Cascades a success. Without them, none of what we accomplished would have been possible. The footbridge is our way of showing the community our appreciation," explained Laurent Lemaire, the man behind the project.
The structure will add to the quality of life in Kingsey Falls, providing citizens with safe passage across the river on foot or by bicycle, and a unique meeting place with an exceptional view of the river. Sixty-six metres long, the bridge will span the Nicolet River, linking the municipal park with the larger-than-life attractions in Parc Marie-Victorin, promoting tourism in the region.
"As an artist, I drew my inspiration for the project from the company's history and my passion for working with recycled materials," explained Florent Cousineau, the artist chosen to design the footbridge.
The work began several days ago, and will continue on into the fall. The Lemaire brothers and Mario Plourde have launched an invitation to the public for the inauguration of this new—and not so new—footbridge, which will take place in the spring of 2014.
A sod-turning ceremony took place today in the presence of Cascades executives and numerous local dignitaries.
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Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products that are composed mainly of recycled fibres. Cascades employs more than 12 000 men and women, who work in over a hundred modern and versatile production units in North America and Europe. With its management philosophy, close to half a century of experience in recycling, and continuous efforts in research and development as driving forces, Cascades continues to deliver the innovative products that customers have come to rely on. Cascades' shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol CAS.
Media:
Hugo D’Amours
Vice-President, Communications and Public Affairs
Cascades Inc.
819 363-5164