RHINELANDER, Wisconsin (From the Star Journal) -- Expera Coated Products, a business unit of Expera Specialty Solutions, has made official its expansion plans at the former Printpack building in Rhinelander.

"Expera Coated Products will be installing a state-of-the-art coater in this new facility," explained Jeff Verdoorn, Rhinelander mill manager. "This additional asset will also consume base paper the Rhinelander mill produces. This is an innovative project and we take great pride in it."

Expera will host a ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 15 to recognize the partnership between Expera Coated Products and Northeast Wisconsin Development Corporation (NEWEDC). Expera has entered into a lease agreement with NEWEDC for financing the expansion which will allow Expera to bring new coater technology to their production process.

"Projects like this would not be possible without effective public and private partnerships, in addition to the overwhelming support we received from our United Steel Workers Union Locals 15 and 1778," Verdoorn added.

Production on the new coater will begin midyear 2017.

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Join Jim Thompson on the 2nd Annual Papermakers Mission Trip to Guatemala, 22 - 29 July 17. Build houses, talk about the pulp and paper industry. For more information, email jthompson@taii.com with "Guatemala" in the subject line.