Appleton Coated (Kimberly, WI) will invest $40 million to expand the coated manufacturing capability of its Combined Locks, WI, facility. Following an investment of more than $440 million to construct a state-of-the-art papermaking and coating facility, which began coated production in 1997, Appleton Coated LLC invested $25 million in 2000 to convert its No. 6 Paper Machine to the production of coated publication products. With completion targeted for late 2004, this new investment completes the conversion of the Combined Locks Mill to a premium coated paper-manufacturing facility with an annual capacity in excess of 425,000 tons.

This investment includes the addition of a second offline calender and roll-wrapping equipment as well as modifications to the No. 7 Paper Machine and Off Machine Coater to expand capabilities and increase total coating capacity.