Sappi Fine Paper North America has approved a $2.5 million upgrade to a paper-coating machine in Westbrook.
According to a press release, the move comes as the company looks to increase the investment in its line of specialty papers used to provide textures and patterns for synthetic fabrics used in cars, shoes and clothing and decorative laminate surfaces.
In April, Sappi officials told Mainebiz how the market for release paper to simulate the textures of materials like cowhides and snakeskins was opening new markets for the company.
The company says the upgrade will improve the coating and drying capacities of the Westbrook facility’s #20 coater.