Segezha Group (part of Sistema AFC) has launched modernization of Segezha Pulp and Paper Mill in Karelia. The cost of works under an agreement, concluded on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in 2019, amounted to 55 billion rubles.

“This is a new page of the mill’s history. The plan is to create a completely new, state-of-the-art enterprise with a new ecology,” said Artur Parfenchikov, Governor of Karelia, who attended the launch ceremony.

The modernization of the mill is aimed at increasing production capacity, as well as expanding the range of manufactured products. In addition to unbleached kraft paper, Segezha will manufacture bleached kraft paper, as well as bleached hardwood and coniferous pulp. To do this, new workshops and production line will appear, as well as a new modern chemical production facility in accordance with strict environmental requirements.

Mikhail Shamolin, Chairman of the Board of Segezha Group, the upgrade will prevent unwanted emissions and the unpleasant smell that surrounds the mill. “We are expanding the range of our products, as well as entering new markets. As for the mill and the city of Segezha, we are switching to fundamentally new technology: away from smell and smoke, we will run an eco-friendly modern production site,” Shamolin said.

Rashid Nurgaliyev, Deputy Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, also noted the significance of such modernization for the city, as well as for the whole country. After the upgrade, Segezha PPM will provide new high-tech jobs, appealing to young professionals from all Russian cities. “A new economic point of growth is being born in the country, I think even in Europe. Given the modern technology to be used here, it is a project of the 21st century. It will enable our young people to unleash their potential in Karelia. Today they study in various universities, but they will come here and create products, known in Europe, in the world,” Nurgaliyev said.