Columbia Pulp Lays Out Plans for Starbuck Plant

ith a group of community leaders Tuesday afternoon in Dayton to provide an update on plans for groundbreaking and construction of the firm’s proposed straw pulp plant near Starbuck.

According to sources at the meeting, CP officials said the company is in the final stage of the bond sales process with investors, and the bonds are expected to close shortly after Thanksgiving. Groundbreaking on the Starbuck facility is anticipated for around Dec. 1.

The officials said that construction at the facility is expected to last approximately 14 months, with plant operations beginning in the first quarter of 2018.

The plant will produce pulp from wheat straw that will be used in the paper industry.

During the plant’s construction phase, as many as 190 workers will likely be employed. Once the plant is up and running, the company expects to have approximately 120 permanent employees, including plant workers, as well as management and support staff. Hiring for permanent workers is expected to begin in mid-2017.

Columbia Pulp hopes to hold a public meeting to give an overview of the plant construction process within the next two to three weeks.