Project NextGen: Strengthening local business through major capital investment

As construction on Irving Pulp & Paper’s Project NextGen is underway, many local businesses are contributing to the success of the project.

Project NextGen is a generational upgrade to the pulp mill in west Saint John, N.B., involving the construction of a new recovery boiler and green energy generator. It’s one of the largest capital investments ever made in the region’s forestry sector. The modernization will improve efficiency, lower emissions and help secure the long-term future of the mill.

The project’s impact also reaches well beyond the mill’s footprint to the local tradespeople, contractors and suppliers that are providing the expertise and materials needed to keep it moving forward. These include hundreds of small and mid-sized businesses in the broader Saint John region, representing a diverse range of sectors from fabrication shops, transportation companies and maintenance crews to local hotels, restaurants and caterers. 

Project NextGen is also expected to generate $409 million in household spending across New Brunswick over the course of construction, according to an economic impact assessment prepared by Jupia Consultants Inc.

Broken down, of this household spending, $18.8 million will be spent at local restaurants alone, with an additional $2.5 million at local barbershops and hair salons. Among this spending, another $5.8 million will be spent on pet-related expenses at local veterinarians and pet stores and $4.5 million on vehicle maintenance and repairs at local garages, the report found.

“Project NextGen reflects our continued focus on investing in our operations and the communities where we live and work,” said Mark Mosher, Executive Vice President, Pulp and Paper Division, J.D. Irving, Limited. “Each stage of the project is built on partnerships with local companies that share the same values around quality, safety and sustainability.”

Capital investments like NextGen are creating opportunities for small businesses and contributing to the long-term strength of the New Brunswick economy. During Small Business Week and all year through, J.D. Irving, Limited is proud to recognize the many small businesses the company works with and supports.