Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
July 24, 2017 1:00 a.m.
Borregard’s Anders Sjode, accompanied by members of the LignoTech Florida management team, updated the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) on the LignoTech Florida project collocated at the Rayonier Advanced Materials plant on Gum Street at the July 18, 2017 FBCC Regular Meeting.
Sjode said that it had been about a year and a half since his first presentation of the LignoTech plan and that now the plan has been put into action. He stressed the partnership between Borregard and Rayonier Advanced Materials (RAM), which will enable a byproduct of RAM’s processing to be turned into an important product used in many applications. The process will also reduce carbon emissions.
Using a series of slides, Sjode briefly explained the nature and purpose of lignin and the process for converting it into a commercial commodity. He presented a timetable for completion of the Fernandina Beach facility in the 2nd quarter of 2018 and the first shipment of product in the 3rd quarter of 2018.
He presented a series of time-lapse photos to illustrate construction progress on the facility. Sjode said that today is the midpoint of facility construction. Site preparation has been completed, along with foundations and underground work. Nine hundred pilings have been driven into the soil and 6,200 cubic yards of concrete have been poured – enough for 400 homes. Concrete has been delivered and poured during early morning hours in order to ensure that it does not set too quickly in Florida summer heat. Currently tanks are being erected and steel and equipment are being set.
Sjode reported that today about 80 full time workers are on site, but by this autumn, that number will double.
After introducing the local management team, Sjode explained that in August the next phase of recruitment would begin as the company looks to hire an additional 45 employees. They are currently recruiting for a control systems engineer and a maintenance manager. He advised jobseekers to go to http://lignotechflorida.com/Vacancies for employment information.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.