Sappi Receives Recognition from Governor Dayton

Tuesday, November 07, 2017


In late September, Sappi North America (Sappi), a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper and packaging products received an award for its investment in the state of Minnesota. Nominated by APEX, Sappi received the award from the Minnesota Office of Foreign Direct Investment, under the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The award highlighted the company’s contributions to the economic vitality of local communities, and its commitment to keeping Minnesota a world-leading business destination.

Mark Gardner, President and CEO of Sappi, received the award at the Cloquet Mill. “We are honored and delighted to receive this award from the Governor’s office for our contributions to the great state of Minnesota,” stated Gardner. “Through the investments made under Sappi’s 2020 Vision strategy, we’re ensuring that our Cloquet facility will continue to operate at this high standard for many years to come.”

For nearly 120 years, the Cloquet Mill has produced paper and wood pulp on the banks of the St. Louis River. Sappi is a subsidiary of Sappi Limited, headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. The company has owned the Cloquet facility for more than 15 years. A world-class facility, the Cloquet Mill has been recognized several times for achievements in safety. This past January, Sappi reached over 2 million working hours without a loss time injury.

The Cloquet Mill currently employs nearly 700 people. In its commitment to training a knowledgeable workforce, Sappi also partnered with DEED and Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in 2016 for a Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Grant.

“To receive this recognition from the state of Minnesota is an honor for Sappi and the local economic development partners. It elevates our region’s strength in innovation, and positions us as an attractive location for national and global investment,” stated Brian Hanson, APEX President and CEO.

To learn more about Sappi North America, please visit www.sappi.com.

Category: (none)