Sappi Enstra Mill, Springs, Johannesburg. Image © Sappi

Sappi has sold its Enstra Mill recycled containerboard and kraft papers business to the Corruseal Group, situated in Springs near Johannesburg.

The mill will continue to manufacture recycled and lightweight packaging paper. The existing Security Paper, Office, Speciality and Folio businesses also conducted at the mill will remain with Sappi.

A transfer plan is being arranged with current staff and customers.

Commenting on the transaction, Sappi Southern Africa CEO Alex Thiel said: “The sale of the mill is in line with Sappi Southern Africa’s strategy to unlock value and is in line with the Sappi Limited strategy which aims to reduce debt, strengthen its balance sheet and direct resources to high-growth opportunities.

“Over the past four years Sappi Southern Africa has undertaken a comprehensive review of its business and implemented a number of changes to help the business turn around and to put the business firmly on the path to profitability and growth - in particular in its paper and paper packaging business. These actions have delivered significant positive impacts with Sappi Southern Africa returning exceptional results during Sappi’s 2014 financial year and strong results during this financial year.”

“The Enstra Mill fits perfectly with our strategy to backward integrate and grow our business,” said Corruseal Group Joint CEOs Mehul Mehta and Rajiv Mehta. “Our commitment is to provide better packaging for a better world.”