Legacy Paper Group Restarts 30,000-Ton Specialty Paper Production in Port Huron

The Legacy Paper Group, a subsidiary of BMI Group US, is restarting Paper Machine #8 (PM8) at its Port Huron, Michigan facility after a four-year shutdown, restoring 30,000 tons of annual production capacity. This move responds to growing demand for sustainable, lightweight specialty papers used in food packaging, candy wrappers, medical table covers, and other eco-friendly applications, driven by shifts in consumer behavior accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and increased focus on packaging sustainability. The reopening is expected to create 45 to 50 jobs and leverages the plant's strategic location and experienced workforce to serve key markets in the Midwest and Northeast. The Port Huron site has a long history dating back to 1888 and has been maintained by the Port Huron Multimodal Industrial Hub since Domtar closed it in 2021. Managing Director Mark Bessette emphasized that the PM8 restart addresses a significant supply-demand imbalance and meets customer demands for environmentally responsible packaging solutions that perform well. Legacy Paper Group may consider restarting additional paper machines in the future if market conditions support expansion.