Kingsey Falls, Québec, May 8, 2014 – Brothers Bernard, Laurent and Alain Lemaire, co-founders of Cascades, as well as Mario Plourde, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, inaugurated “the Builders’ footbridge” (passerelle des Bâtisseurs) today, in the company of a number of dignitaries and partners. The footbridge, which spans the Nicolet River, was built by Cascades and offered to the community as a sign of appreciation for the people of the region and their contribution to the Company’s success.
“On the occasion of the Company’s 50th birthday, we offer the people of Kingsey Falls this gift, a symbol of the relationship between Cascades and the town. It represents both our rich history and our promising future. The footbridge is a sign of recognition for the men and women from this region who helped build Cascades. The footbridge honouring our builders will not only embellish the area and attract tourists, but will also provide safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists across the Nicolet River,” explained Laurent Lemaire, who initiated the project.
The footbridge, for which construction began in summer 2013, joins the municipal park and the larger-than-life Parc Marie-Victorin. Designed by artist Florent Cousineau, the 66-m long bridge consists of 75% recycled materials. The structure is made of old paper machine parts, including girders from overhead cranes, de-inking cells, a paper dryer and pulper plates. The bridge deck and safety railing are made out of recycled plastic products manufactured by Cascades. Most of the construction was carried out by Cascades employees under the direction of Luc Duval, Project Manager at Cascades CIP.
“This project was made possible through collaboration with our partners. We would like to thank the Mayor of Kingsey Falls, Micheline Pinard-Lampron, as well as the municipal councillors, who have agreed to maintain the infrastructure, which we believe will be a gem in our region. We would also like to extend our thanks to Tourisme Centre-du-Québec and its General Manager Yves Zarha, for the financial support provided through the tourist offer development fund (EPRT),” added Laurent Lemaire, speaking on behalf of his brothers and Mario Plourde.
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Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products that are composed mainly of recycled fibres. The Company employs more than 12 000 employees, who work in over 100 production units in North America and Europe. With its management philosophy, 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.
418-573-2348
hugo_damours@cascades.com