A trade publication that covers the paper industry honored Sappi North America’s CEO as the “2026 Executive Papermaker of the Year.”
Mike Haws led the $500 million conversion and expansion of Paper Machine No. 2 at Sappi’s Somerset Mill in Skowhegan — leadership that demonstrated “exceptional vision,” strategy and commitment not only to the company but the industry as a whole, according to PaperAge magazine.
“Under the leadership of Mike Haws, Sappi North America continues to successfully build its manufacturing platform through operational efficiency, environmental stewardship, and the creation of innovative, sustainable paper-based products, while driving the culture of employee safety as a top priority,” said John O’Brien, managing editor of PaperAge, a Massachusetts-based quarterly publication founded in 1884. “Mike’s dedication and enthusiasm exemplify the strength of his character and leadership at Sappi North America.”
Haws was a 2025 Mainebiz Business Leader of the Year — an honor that took into account the substantial Skowhegan papermill upgrade.
Skowhegan plant overhaul
The Somerset Mill project took nearly three years, from 2022 to the relaunch in May 2025. Paper Machine No. 2 now has the capacity to produce approximately 470,000 metric tons per year of solid bleached sulfate paperboard, which PaperAge said positions Sappi to meet the growing demand for sustainable, fiber-based packaging.
“The true success of this project lies in our people,” Haws said in a news release. “Their precision, focus, and unwavering commitment to safety enabled us to complete a complex transformation, all while keeping the mill fully operational. This award from PaperAge is really a tribute to the entire Sappi North America team. People from across our organization came together to make Project Elevate possible, backed by the full support of Sappi Limited leadership, and I’m honored to accept it on their behalf.”
Sappi North America, which is based in Boston, has Maine sites in Skowhegan, Westbrook and Portland.
