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TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014
Vol. CXXIV, No. 42
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE CITY OF TACOMA Devoted to the Courts, Real Estate, Finance, Industrial Activities, and Publication of Legal Notices
Published Published Since Since 1890 1890
Simpson Lumber Co. to sell Tacoma Kraft paper mill Posted online Mon., March 3 Simpson Lumber Company officials announced Monday they will sell their Tacoma Kraft pulp and paper mill to RockTenn, a manufacturer of corrugated and consumer packaging based in Norcross, Georgia, that operates facilities in Canada, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, and the United States—including two facilities in Washington state, for approximately $343 million. The Tacoma pulp and paper mill, located at 801 E. Portland Ave., employs approximately 425 people. Last year, the mill produced 465,000 tons of material on two paper machines and two pulp dryers that made various paper grades including containerboard, specialty kraft paper, and pulp. The Tacoma Kraft mill operates a 55-megawatt green biomass fuel cogeneration facility that was completed in 2009 and sells electricity under a long-term contract. Simpson Lumber Company has invested $415 million in environmental and other capital improvements since purchasing the mill from Champion International in 1985. RockTenn plans to invest $60 million in the mill during the next three years, and has also entered into a seven-year wood chip supply contract with Simpson Lumber Company. "This is exciting news for Tacoma Kraft employees and the community," said Simpson Lumber Company President Allan Trinkwald. "Tacoma Kraft will be bet-
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7 consultants submit bids for Tacoma strategic plan contract Posted online Mon., March 3 Fern Tiger Associates (Oakland, Calif.); ARImage Courtesy City of Tacoma CADD, Inc. (Newton, Mass.); Beckwith ConSeven consultants have submitted bids on a sulting Group (LaConner, Wash.); Community contract to develop the City of TaAttributes, Inc. (Seattle, Wash.); coma's Strategic Visioning Plan. BDS Planning & Urban DeThe City of Tacoma last embarked sign (Seattle, Wash.); Strategies on a similar project 10 years ago 360 (Seattle, Wash.); and The when it developed "Tacoma TomorAthena Group (Olympia, Wash.) row: 2005 – 2010," a strategic plan submitted bid applications before that aimed to identify the City's the deadline expired on Tues., priorities, opportunities, and initiaFeb. 25, at 11 a.m. tives. The project budget is estimatThis new effort is designed to ed at $250,000 to $300,000. build upon previous projects and Tacoma City Council is tentacreate a new strategic plan, which tively scheduled to award the conis envisioned as a more dynamic, intract in late-March. A first draft tegrated, descriptive, tangible, and of the strategic plan is tentatively detailed plan that will be widely acdue in August, and councilmemcepted by the community and implebers are tentatively scheduled to mented through specific initiatives TACOMA TOMORROW adopt the strategic plan in Octoand updates to the City's other plans ber. More information is available and programs. online at cityoftacoma.org. ter positioned as part of RockTenn, a successful fiberbased company that is committed to the long-term success of the mill. I want to thank the dedicated Tacoma Kraft employees for their hard work in the past 28 years. They have made the mill into a strong company in Tacoma and positioned it to be a valuable, strategic asset to RockTenn." Simpson Lumber Company headquarters will remain in Tacoma and focus on manufacturing in its
core businesses of lumber and solid wood doors. "The Tacoma Kraft Mill is a great strategic fit for RockTenn," said RockTenn CEO Steve Voorhees. "Adding a West Coast mill will improve our ability to satisfy West Coast customers and generate significant operating efficiencies across our system." The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals and it is anticipated that the sale will be completed later this year.
3 Pierce County Music Center stores sold to Maryland retailer Posted online Weds., Feb. 26 Photo Courtesy Lakewood Music Center A chain of Puget Sound music shops first founded in Pierce County nearly 60 years ago has been acquired by an out-of-town music retailer. Music & Arts, a Federick, Md.-based retailer offering music instruments and lessons, has purchased seven Music Center stores in the Puget Sound region, including three Pierce County stores: Plaza II Music Center and Hi Ho Music Center in Puyallup, and Lakewood Music Center in Lakewood. The deal also includes the purchase of South Sound Music Center in Lacey; West Campus Music Center in Federal Way; North Benson Music Center in Renton; and Westside Music Center in Olympia. A Music & Arts spokesperson told the Tacoma Daily Index Wednesday the Highland Hill Music Center in Tacoma will close. The Index attempted
to reach a local Music Center spokesperson for comment, but did not receive a response. "We are thrilled to welcome Music Center customers to the Music & Arts family and to be expanding our footprint into Washington," said Music & Arts CEO Kenny O'Brien. "We are committed to continuing to work with Music Center customers in the Tacoma area to provide them with uninterrupted, top-notch customer service as we continue to build on Music & Arts' reputation of excellence in the coming months and years." Music Center's roots in Pierce County date back to 1955, when it opened under the name Lakewood Music. It later changed its name as it expanded throughout the Puget Sound region. Music & Arts was founded in 1952 and has 128 retail locations in 23 states. More information is available online at musicarts.com.