JD Irving's Lake Utopia Paper mill in New Brunswick celebrates 50th anniversary; JD Irving has invested over US$125M of CapEx in past five years at mill, which produces corrugating medium, used to produce box packaging, for over 25 countries worldwide

Sample article from our Pulp & Paper Industry

August 29, 2023 (press release) –

Last week, over 300 employees and families, retirees and community leaders gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Lake Utopia Paper. In addition to 50 years of operations, the event recognized Lake Utopia Paper's commitment to its people, customers and the local community.

Lake Utopia Paper produces high-quality corrugating medium, which is the key component in the production of box packaging, for over 25 countries across the globe.

"It is a great source of pride for Lake Utopia Paper to not only play a vital part in the JDI forest products supply chain, but also to be the supplier of choice for our customers," says Dale Chaffey, Lake Utopia Paper mill manager. 

The story of the mill begins in 1969 when Fundy Forest Industries Limited was incorporated to construct a mill to manufacture corrugating medium from hardwood pulp. J.D. Irving, Limited purchased the mill in 1973 and changed the name to Lake Utopia Paper. Since then, every corner of the Lake Utopia Paper site and every mill process has been replaced or upgraded. In the last five years alone, over $125 million capital investments have been made. All this is due to the team's hard work, initiative and perseverance in building a prosperous place for generations to thrive. 

With deep roots in the local community, Lake Utopia Paper employs more than 120 people directly on site and hundreds more indirectly. The mill is a source of countless opportunities for small businesses, especially in rural New Brunswick. 

"To the community, customers and past and present employees - thank you for being part of the journey, we look forward to all that is ahead," says Chaffey. 

* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistrubte or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.

See our dashboard in action - schedule an demo
Chelsey Quick
Chelsey Quick
- VP Client Success -

We offer built-to-order pulp & paper industry coverage for our clients. Contact us for a free consultation.

About Us

We deliver market news & information relevant to your business.

We monitor all your market drivers.

We aggregate, curate, filter and map your specific needs.

We deliver the right information to the right person at the right time.

Our Contacts

1990 S Bundy Dr. Suite #380,
Los Angeles, CA 90025

+1 (310) 553 0008

About Cookies On This Site

We collect data, including through use of cookies and similar technology ("cookies") that enchance the online experience. By clicking "I agree", you agree to our cookies, agree to bound by our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. For more information on our data practices and how to exercise your privacy rights, please see our Privacy Policy.