Kingsey Falls, Quebec, Canada 21 September 2014 -- /CNW Telbec/ -- Cascades announces the temporary shutdown of the Greenpac and Norampac Niagara Falls containerboard mills following a fire that occurred on Saturday September 20, 2014 , in the old corrugated containers (OCC) stock piles located outside of the mills. Both mills were quickly evacuated with no injuries to personnel. The causes of the fire are currently unknown, but local authorities are investigating to determine the potential causes of this event.

The fire is now under control. Damage to the Greenpac Mill is limited to the OCC stock pile and the OCC conveyor. Damage to the Norampac Niagara Falls mill, while more extensive, is limited to the OCC stock pile, pulper and stock preparation.

At this time firefighters are still onsite and it is still too early to know when the mills will resume production.

Employees and customers will be informed as the situation evolves. Additional information concerning the start-up of the mills will be disclosed by press release as soon as it is known.

Norampac and Greenpac Mill manufacture different types of containerboard that is used in the production of corrugated boxes. Norampac, a division of Cascades, manufactures 100% recycled medium and has 137 employees. Greenpac Mill is a brand new state-of-the-art mill that manufactures 100% recycled linerboard. Greenpac Mill has 118 employees and is owned at 59% by Cascades, with three other partners. Greenpac Mill started its production in July 2013 .

Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products that are composed mainly of recycled fibres. The Company employs close to 12,000 employees, who work in 100 production units located in North America and Europe . With its management philosophy, half a century of experience in recycling, and continuous efforts in research and development as driving forces, Cascades continues to deliver the innovative products that customers have come to rely on. Cascades' shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol CAS .