The Legacy Paper Group, a subsidiary of BMI Group US, announced the restart of Paper Machine #8 (PM8) at its historic Port Huron facility. This revival injects 30,000 tons of annual production capacity back into the market after a four-year hiatus, marking a pivotal moment for the company, the local economy, and the specialty paper industry.

The Port Huron has operated continuously under various ownerships including Port Huron Sulphite and Paper Co., Port Huron Paper, Pentair, EB Eddy Paper, and Domtar Specialty Papers. PM8 itself is renowned for its ability to produce high-quality, ultra-lightweight papers essential for a diverse range of critical applications. These include quick-serve restaurant packaging, candy wrappers, medical table covers, and tissue overwraps – all categories experiencing heightened demand due to shifting consumer preferences and an amplified focus on environmental responsibility.

Indeed, the landscape of consumer habits has undergone a permanent transformation since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sustained growth of food delivery and takeout services, facilitated by platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, has generated an enduring need for compliant and functional packaging materials that meet the stringent standards of global food brands. Simultaneously, public awareness and scrutiny of packaging sustainability, often amplified through social media, have surged. Paper-based packaging offers a compelling alternative to plastics, providing renewable, biodegradable, and compostable solutions that mitigate the environmental concerns associated with oil-based plastics and microplastic pollution.

The restart of PM8 represents a calculated and strategic investment in the expanding lightweight food-grade paper sector. The Port Huron facility's advantageous geographic location provides cost-effective access to key markets across the Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States. Furthermore, the presence of established supply chains and a deeply experienced local workforce will enable a rapid and efficient ramp-up of production.

James Freed, Port Huron City Manager, welcomed the news with enthusiasm, highlighting the positive impact on the community. "Legacy Port Huron Paper represents the rebirth of our community's rich history of making quality paper," Freed remarked. "The good-paying jobs created are well needed and will bolster our economic position in the state."

The restart of PM8 is more than just a business decision; it's a testament to the enduring relevance of paper in a sustainable future and a renewed commitment to the Port Huron community.