Montreal, Quebec, Canada 09 November 2012 -- Tembec inaugurated today a new steam turbine at its Tartas mill in France. This green energy investment of 16 million euros (C$21 million) was announced in December 2010 as part of the Company’s strategy to make this mill a key facility in its core specialty cellulose business. The new turbine has been in operation since June.

The project will generate significant benefits in terms of energy production, environmental performance and economic growth, so it is a win-win-win story. The new turbine, driven by a biomass boiler, will increase the Tartas mill's production of green electricity and improve its energy self-sufficiency, while surplus green electricity will be sold to the EDF utility, benefiting the community at large. All this will reduce costs for the Tartas mill, improving Tembec's competitive position in the high-growth specialty cellulose industry.

The high-purity specialty cellulose manufactured by the Tartas mill is in great demand by such industries as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, personal care, food and construction. Specialty cellulose is used in various applications as a binder, texturizer, splatter-control agent and strengthening agent. 

In an address to dignitaries and employees who gathered for the event, Tembec President and CEO James Lopez said that, “Tembec is a world leader in specialty cellulose production and we intend to remain a preferred supplier to sophisticated, demanding customers everywhere on the planet. Our total investment in the Tartas mill of over 100 million euros in 10 years demonstrates our commitment and our confidence in the management, personnel and partners of our business in France,” he added.

Tembec is a manufacturer of forest products – lumber, pulp, paper and specialty cellulose – and a global leader in sustainable forest management practices. Principal operations are in Canada and France. Tembec has some 4,000 employees and annual sales of approximately $2 billion. Tembec is listed on the TSX (TMB).

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of securities laws. Such statements relate, without limitation, to the Company’s or management’s objectives, projections, estimates, expectations or predictions of the future and can be identified by words such as “may”, “will”, “could”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect” and “project”, the negative or variations thereof, and expressions of similar nature. Forward looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience, information available to it and its perception of future developments. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in foreign exchange rates, product selling prices, raw material and operating costs and other factors identified in the Company’s periodic filings with securities regulatory authorities. Many of these risks are beyond the control of the Company and, therefore, may cause actual actions or results to materially differ from those expressed or implied herein. The forward-looking statements contained herein reflect the Company’s expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities legislation.