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(LEVI LANDRY / iNFOnews.ca)

A Kamloops pulp mill is getting a $32 million investment, with nearly a third coming from government funding.

Kruger is spending the money on technology upgrades at the Mission Flats pulp mill, which will in part reduce the chemicals needed.

"We’re especially excited to implement an innovative technology that will optimize our manufacturing processes, improve our environmental footprint, and reinforce Kruger’s position as a competitive supplier of high-quality, ethically sourced and sustainably sound specialty pulp," Kruger general manager Irene Preto said in a news release.

Of that new funding, $5 million is coming from the province and $4.9 from the federal government for a first of its kind in Canada "pressure diffusion washer" with AI controls. It's a system that is expected to reduce the chemicals needed in the bleaching process as it more efficiently cleans the pulp.

Once operating in 2026, Kruger expects to ramp up its "ultra-clean" pulp production from 43,000 tonnes per year to 115,000 tonnes by 2029, according to a company.

“This federal government is supporting cutting-edge technologies and good jobs in British Columbia’s forestry sector," Federal Minister for Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson said in the release. "By partnering with provinces, territories, and First Nations, we can strengthen and maintain the long-term sustainability of the forest sector.”

No job losses are expected with the upgrades. Instead, the AI system will add four new positions to the 340 people the mill currently employs, not including the 95 construction jobs created, according to the news release.

"The forestry sector drives British Columbia's economy, and has done so for more than 100 years," BC Forests Minister Bruce Ralston said in the release. "Since Premier Eby first announced historic investments into the forestry sector, wood manufacturers around the province have been launching new business lines and mill upgrades, supporting local jobs. We're using B.C.'s strength to support people and businesses in rural communities. It's not the time to pull back."

A Kruger spokesperson didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on whether or not the upgrades will impact the smell that emanates from the pulp mill.

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