The Department of Eure and Double A reach an agreement about the selling of the paper pulp factory in Alizay

Alizay, 17th December, 2013 – This new step confirms the exemplary nature of the recovery process on the Alizay site, which has become emblematic of the stakes linked to re-industrialization in France. After restarting the paper machine in June 2013, Double A Alizay’s objective is to boost pulp production during the first semester of 2015. This investment is also a symbol of Double A’s commitment to the continued re-industrialization of the area. The pulp mill will increase Double A’s competitiveness in Europe and complete Alizay as a key production site for Double A’s expansion plans into Africa, Middle East and the Americas.

“We have agreed on the selling price of the land, the buildings and the assets necessary to revive the production site. All that remains is for us to prepare and sign the deeds as soon as possible , this is in both parties interest as it will initiate the revival of paper pulp production on the site” stated Jean Louis Destans, Chairman of the General Council of the region of Eure. The papermaker should then file an application for authorization of exploitation which will result in a public inquiry. With State services, the Department of Eure is committed to accompanying the Double A Alizay teams throughout these administrative procedures, with the objective of effectively reviving the production of pulp during the first semester of 2015.

This step is the follow-up of the exemplary industrial operations launched on 23rd January 2013 between the Department of Eure, employees and the paper manufacturer Double A. After acquiring the entire site in a form of ‘micro-temporary nationalization’ in a bid to save the industrial tools, the Department of Eure resold it the same day to the department linked to the production of paper and energy supply at Double A.

The investment in the pulp mill will include investment in bio-mass power plant. Bio-mass power would generate green energy, utilizing wood and biomass from Alizay’s regional sources and residuals from the Alizay pulp producing process using wood from Double A’s Paper Tree from KHAN-NA in Thailand. This green energy is critical to the success of this investment.

According to Jean Louis Destans “The commitments made by Double A during the sale of assets related to the paper machine on 23rd January 2013, were concerning the time expected to restart the machine or were about the number of jobs created. Double A’s decision to further invest in the Alizay pulp production site today, confirms their lasting implementation on our territory, and their willingness to make this the production site for the European market. This proves that political willingness pays off in industrial matters. Therefore, we made the right decision last year with the employees”. This commendable operation will ultimately be seen, in financial terms, as neutral to the General Council but largely positive in terms of the economy and employment.

“2013 marked a successful return of the Alizay Paper Mill, which returned to full production in June and was producing premium quality Double A paper by August. The mill began exporting paper in September to the UAE and Eastern Europe. This success was due to the combined efforts of the profession team at Alizay and the Thai team, bringing together a truly unique partnership.” said Thirawit Leetavorn, Double A Senior Executive Vice President.