WGM Group Inc. Expands to Include Industrial Design Division
WGM is expanding to include an Industrial Design Division with three engineers formerly employed by the vacant Smurfit-Stone Container Mill (SSC). The 2010 closure of the SSC Mill in Frenchtown, MT resulted in hundreds of talented employees, contractors and consultants abruptly finding themselves jobless. Among the unemployed are experienced engineers who have expert knowledge related to operations, resources, and potential for the facility. The Mill is a high value asset that is likely to be included in the final settlement of the Smurfit-Stone bankruptcy proceedings. Current discussions being held by potential buyers will ultimately play a significant role in shaping Missoula's economic landscape.
While the closing has devastated the economy of Missoula and surrounding areas, WGM Group believes that there is great opportunity, if action is taken quickly, to take advantage of the new cellulose economy. Cellulose from trees has traditionally been used to manufacture paper and linerboard at the SSC Plant. New processes are being developed to convert cellulose to sugar. These sugars could replace corn and petroleum as a low cost input for the manufacture of many products. This will potentially create a market for a sustainable and renewable source of cellulose, a plentiful natural resource in Montana. The new Industrial Design Division seeks to bring large and small cellulose conversion industries into Montana.
The innovative use of wood fiber to manufacture high value products and bio-fuels has the potential to generate countless jobs and create an export market for the state. Former SSC engineer knowledge is priceless to any organization looking to purchase, retool and operate the mill. WGM Group is certain that retaining chemical and mechanical engineering resources is necessary to attract a variety of industries not only in Missoula, but also throughout Montana. WGM Group, Inc. is now positioned as a forerunner for emerging markets and a premier provider of industrial design services.
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