As construction advances on J.D. Irving’s Project NextGen in west Saint John, the company’s generational pulp mill upgrade is bringing substantial benefits to local businesses and communities across New Brunswick.
The modernization involves building a new recovery boiler and green energy generator at Irving Pulp & Paper — one of the largest capital investments ever made in Atlantic Canada’s forestry sector. Once completed, the project will improve mill efficiency, reduce emissions, and help secure the facility’s long-term future.
Earlier this fall, the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) announced a $660-million loan to support Project NextGen, part of a total investment exceeding $1 billion. The financing will help advance cleaner manufacturing and green energy production in the province, aligning with Canada’s broader decarbonization objectives.
According to J.D. Irving, the project’s impact extends far beyond the mill site. Hundreds of small and mid-sized local businesses — including fabrication shops, transportation companies, hotels, and caterers — are supplying expertise, equipment, and services critical to the project’s success.
An economic impact assessment by Jupia Consultants Inc. estimates that Project NextGen will generate $409 million in household spending across New Brunswick during construction. This includes $18.8 million at local restaurants, $2.5 million in barbershops and salons, $5.8 million in pet-related businesses, and $4.5 million in vehicle maintenance and repairs.
“Project NextGen reflects our continued focus on investing in our operations and the communities where we live and work,” said Mark Mosher, Executive Vice President of J.D. Irving’s Pulp & Paper Division. “Each stage of the project is built on partnerships with local companies that share the same values around quality, safety, and sustainability.”
As Canada celebrates Small Business Week, J.D. Irving underscores that large-scale investments like Project NextGen can play a vital role in stimulating regional growth, supporting local entrepreneurship, and building a more sustainable economy for the future.
Irving Pulp & Paper is one of New Brunswick’s largest employers and exporters. The company operates the Saint John kraft pulp mill, a cornerstone of the province’s forestry value chain. It is part of J.D. Irving, Limited, a diversified group with operations in forestry, agriculture, construction, and services.
