Whitecourt, Alberta, Canada 10 August 2012 -- Alberta Newsprint Company (ANC) announced ownership approval for construction of a power generation plant at its newsprint operation in Whitecourt, Alberta.

ANC is a joint venture owned by West Fraser and Whitecourt Newsprint Company Limited Partnership. ANC is a preferred supplier of high-quality newsprint in North America.

The approximately 65 Megawatt power plant will produce electricity fueled by natural gas. Electricity generated by the plant will be consumed by ANC and sold into the Alberta power grid.

"ANC is committed to being a competitive, reliable and long-term supplier of newsprint to our customers," says ANC President Ron Stern. "This significant investment will further enhance our ability to deliver a high-quality product to the market."

ANC is in the final stages of selecting the equipment supplier for the project.

ANC expects to begin construction of the project in the fall of 2012 with an anticipated start-up in late 2013.

Construction of the power plant will not disrupt newsprint production operations.

ANC is ranked amongst the highest in the world for newsprint quality and production efficiency. Located in Whitecourt, Alberta, the mill produces standard newsprint as well as rotogravure paper for the North American market.

SOURCE: Alberta Newsprint Company