Wolf announces retention of 438 jobs, upgrades to Domtar Corp. in Elk, Clearfield counties

HARRISBURG – Gov. Tom Wolf announced Wednesday the retention of 438 jobs over the next three years and major upgrades to the Domtar Corporation in Elk and Clearfield counties.

Domtar Corporation is a company dedicated to the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of pulp, paper and personal care products.

Wolf said significant infrastructure and equipment upgrades will be made at its facilities in Johnsonburg, Elk County and DuBois, Clearfield County.

“Today, Domtar has renewed its commitment to both its employees and the communities in Elk and Clearfield counties,” Wolf said. “The company’s decision to maintain its operations in Pennsylvania and upgrade its facilities in preparation for future growth is welcome news, and I am thrilled that hundreds of jobs will be preserved for years to come.”

To remain globally competitive, Domtar plans to convert the energy supply at its paper mill at 100 Center Street, Johnsonburg, Elk County, from coal to natural gas to improve the mill’s energy and water reduction, and to upgrade the facility’s boilers, turn up devices, causticizers, liquor retention tank, and threading equipment.

Upgrades for the Domtar facility at 377 Satterlee Road, Sandy Township, Clearfield County, include incorporating folio palletizer controls, shrink-wrapped ream packaging, and rewinder shipping dock levelers.

The company plans to invest $25.3 million in projects at the two facilities.

“Domtar is pleased with the tremendous support it has received from Governor Wolf and his administration,” said Thomas Howard, vice president of government relations. “Our employees, in both Johnsonburg and DuBois, will benefit greatly from this support and we pledge to continue our long tradition of manufacturing excellence in the commonwealth.”

Domtar received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development that includes $75,000 in WEDnetPA funding for employee training. The company also was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority for a $1 million Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE) grant for the installation of a three-mile natural gas pipeline to its paper mill facility in Johnsonburg.

Domtar Corporation is a leading provider of a wide variety of fiber-based products including communication, specialty and packaging papers, market pulp, and absorbent hygiene products. With approximately 9,850 employees serving more than 50 countries around the world,

Last year, DCED approved nearly $1.1 billion in low-interest loans, tax credits, and grants for projects across the commonwealth and secured private sector commitments for the creation and retention of more than 245,000 full-time jobs. In the same time frame, the Governor’s Action Team completed 77 projects – creating and retaining more than 36,800 jobs.

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