NL government investigates foreign proposal to reopen pulp mill

GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, NL: Lott Paper, a German company, has proposed to reopen a former paper mill in Grand Falls Windsor, NL, but the provincial government is taking a cautious approach to the request.

Natural Resources Minister Kathy Dunderdale says the company is solid but government will spend a couple of months going over the business plan to reopen the mill.

Lott Paper wants to fill some of the void in Germany left by AbitibiBowater’s departure from that market.

Dunderdale wants to know how much the venture would cost taxpayers, noting there aren’t many companies in the world looking to get into the pulp and paper industry these days.

She also added that hydro assets expropriated by the government when the mill closed will remain in the province’s hands.

© 2010 The Canadian Press