The Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce recently named our Nekoosa Mill as its 2023 Large Business of the Year. The Nekoosa Mill award is a highlight in the mill’s history.
Mill Manager Jason McCauley accepted the Nekoosa Mill award on behalf of the mill’s 410 employees at the group’s annual meeting and awards dinner. The mill was recognized for its economic impact on the community, business growth, adaptation to marketplace change and dedication to customer service, community investment and leadership.
“Domtar epitomizes the essence of excellence, blending exceptional customer service, community dedication and visionary leadership,” says Staci Kivi, Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. “Their commitment to innovation and growth, coupled with their unwavering support for local organizations, sets a remarkable standard for businesses in our region. Domtar truly embodies the heart and soul of our community, and we are proud to honor them for their outstanding contributions.”
2023 was a busy and exciting year for the Nekoosa Mill, with capital investment projects, infrastructure work and community giving.
- The mill hired 90 new employees and added 29 new positions.
- The mill and its employees donated more than $55,000 to the United Way and more than $77,000 to local organizations and charities through the mill’s local community investment program.
- On top of that, Nekoosa Mill’s EarthChoice Ambassadors held 21 events, with employees donating more than 800 volunteer hours to participate in events that support improving and promoting literacy, education and sustainability.
“At Domtar, one of our main core values is to be a caring company in the communities where we operate, which means running our business in an environmentally sound manner, being a safety leader in our industry, working closely with local officials and giving back to the community,” says McCauley. “To be recognized as Large Business of the Year by the Central Wisconsin community is a great honor for all Domtar team members.”
Nekoosa Mill Through the Years
Agility and innovation have kept the Nekoosa Mill viable and competitive for more than 130 years. While it has adapted to many market changes during that time, its commitment to quality and customer service have remained a priority. Today, the mill maintains a close relationship with its customers to ensure their needs are always met.
In its early years, the mill produced newsprint, but it switched to wrapping papers after World War I. Following World War II, there was a revolution in retail merchandising where goods were sold prepackaged, so the mill began producing fine writing papers.
The mill’s evolution continues today, its cornerstone being new specialty paper product development. It produces food packaging, colored papers, coating base stocks, book paper and much more. In 2023, the mill worked to develop new grades and improve existing grades. The Nekoosa Mill also produces and sells electricity back to the grid and sells pulping byproducts such as turpentine and soap.
“We believe in central Wisconsin, and we love developing and making the finest specialty and business communication papers here,” says McCauley in response to the Nekoosa Mill award. “I am proud to accept this award on behalf of Nekoosa Mill team members. Thank you for this wonderful honor.”
