Cascades acquires Michigan mill.

Cascades Inc. has entered into an agreement with Honeycomb Products of Michigan (HPM) to acquire the assets of HPM's honeycomb board mill located in Grand Rapids, Mich.

The acquisition makes Cascades Specialty Products Group the second largest manufacturer of honeycomb board in the market and increases its "green" industrial packaging product line, which is made entirely from recycled paper.

"This transaction fits perfectly well with our strategic plan," Mario Plourde, president and COO of Cascades Specialty Products Group, says. "Through its enviable geographical positioning, the acquisition of the HPM plant will facilitate our efforts to penetrate the U.S. market. Furthermore, the quality of HPM's products, its strong management team and its continuously improving performance offer strong support for improving and sustainable profitability."

End-markets for honeycomb products include furniture and household appliance packaging and the transportation industry.

Cascades is based in Kingsey Falls, Quebec. Founded in 1964, the company produces and markets packaging and tissue products. Cascades employs more than 14,000 employees. More information is available at www. cascades.com.