Mainebiz

V O L . X X X I N O. V I M A R C H 2 4 , 2 0 2 5 24 ainebiz: What are some of the key upgrades being made at the Somerset Mill? Mike Haws: At Sappi's Somerset Mill, we're undertaking a monumen- tal construction project to transform and expand Paper Machine No. 2. With an investment exceeding $400 million, this initiative — the larg- est rebuild project in Sappi Limited's history — will double PM2's produc- tion capacity and enable the mill to manufacture more sustainable SBS (solid bleached sulfate) paperboard for packaging products that are more environmentally sustainable alterna- tives to single-use plastics. e proj- ect builds on our earlier $200 million investment in 2018, which expanded Paper Machine No. 1 and upgraded the mill's woodyard. e scale of this endeavor is stag- gering. For context, the Empire State Building rests on 210 foundation col- umns sunk 55 feet into Manhattan bed- rock. In contrast, PM2's new machine hall and winder are supported by 205 columns driven 80 feet into Maine's granite bedrock. A Boeing 747 stretches 250 feet and operates with 400 control instruments; PM2 spans 800 feet and is equipped with nearly 2,000 instruments to manage its operations. is strategic investment secures the future of our state-of-the-art Somerset Mill for generations to come, position- ing Sappi North America as a leader in sustainable innovation. MB: How do you approach a complex upgrade like this? MH: is is a complex, multifaceted project driven by a clear vision. As part of our global 2020Vision strategy to significantly boost group EBITDA, we identified opportunities to invest in our business, targeting high-growth markets while maintaining profitability and competitiveness worldwide. Somerset's world-class infrastructure, skilled workforce and access to pre- mium fiber made it the ideal site for a nearly $200 million investment back in 2018. is initiative enhanced the mill's flexibility and expanded its capacity to produce consumer-demanded products for years to come. e project's success stems from exceptional management, which instilled full confidence in our North American team when we sought board approval to rebuild Paper Machine 2. is upgrade shifts production toward growing packaging segments, reducing reliance on declining markets. e effort unites every part of our company. e undertaking is vast and intricate, with engineering as a standout achieve- ment. We've collaborated with top-tier global partners, including engineering firms, and equipment suppliers. Our team traveled to Finland to train with Valmet, a key partner, which coordi- nated with an Indian manufacturer to build the massive press section. Our staff inspected every detail in India before the Running a legacy business that's investing in Maine Mike Haws is leading a $400 million investment in Sappi's Somerset Mill B y P e t e r V a n A l l e n P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F S A P P I PA P E R INDUSTRY LEADER OF THE YEAR Mike Haws President and CEO, Sappi Paper North America Sappi Paper Co. What it does: Produces paper, with sites in Skowhegan and Westbrook, and a corporate office in Portland. Total Maine employees: 1,200 (Somerset Mill, Skowhegan: 780 / Westbrook: 170 / Technology center: 70 / Portland corporate office: 175) Mike Haws joined Sappi in 2012 as managing director of the Somerset Mill. Prior to Sappi, he held operational roles with Verso Paper, International Paper and Champion International. He has a bachelor's of science in paper science and engineering from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He is overseeing Sappi's $400 million investment in the Somerset Mill in Skowhegan. M

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