Piscopo Tours Kimberly-Clark Kleenex Facility

Photo (from left to right): Jim Schneider (Kimberly-Clark Energy Procurement), Jean Cronin (President Hughes & Cronin Public Affairs), Susan Bruce (Energy Counsel, McNees Wallace) Nate Kenney (Kimberly-Clark Plant Manager), Rep. Martin Foncello, Rep. Pat Callahan, Rep. Cindy Harrison, Rep. John Piscopo, Rep. Joe Gresko, Sen. Stephen Harding, Rep. Bill Buckbee, Branch Sinkule (Kimberly-Clark Government Relations) are pictured at the Kimberly-Clark Kleenex plant in New Milford.

NEW MILFORD – State Rep. John Piscopo (R-76) joined the New Milford Delegation of State Representatives Billy Buckbee (R-67), Pat Callahan (R-108), Cindy Harrison (R-69), and State Senator Stephen Harding (R-30) toured Kimberly-Clark’s facility. They group was also joined by members of the legislature’s Energy & Technology committee. Kimberly-Clark produces tissue and other hygiene products, with the facility in Connecticut producing nearly one million cartons of Kleenex® Facial Tissue per day.

“Visiting one of the world’s leading production facilities was truly impressive. The amount of commerce that the facility brings to Connecticut and its surrounding community is a great asset. I appreciate them showing us how they are able to meet such a high demand for everyday, household products,” said Rep. Piscopo.

“It was great seeing many of my past co-workers as we walked through the mill,” said Rep. Buckbee, who previously worked at Kimberly-Clark. “It’s a testament to the fact that Kimberly-Clark has positioned itself to be a steward of the community, employing hundreds of New Milford residents and making a positive impact on local charities and causes. Additionally, they continue to invest in practices and equipment to minimize any negative environmental impacts occurring from on-site production.”

The facility in New Milford employs over 350 people, with the majority living in the greater New Milford/Danbury area. About one third of the workforce lives directly in New Milford.

“I want to thank Kimberly-Clark officials for opening their plant to us for a tour,” said Rep. Callahan. “This corporation has been a longtime member of the New Milford community and manufactures common household brands we use every day. I was interested to learn more about their Combined Heat and Power facility, its use for production purposes and how it lowers their greenhouse gas emissions.”

“It was a pleasure to tour this incredible facility and meet with the workers who provide so many of the important paper products we use on a daily basis,” Rep. Harrison said. “I also appreciate their commitment to the New Milford community, Connecticut, and the environment with continued investments in technology and processes to reduce impacts.”

In 2008, the New Milford plant started up its Combined Heat and Power (CHP) facility in order to ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply of electricity and steam. This on-site energy plant is highly efficient and essential to the cost-effective production of tissue on a 24-7-365 basis.  The company encouraged the visiting legislators to do what they can to help ensure reliable and affordable energy supply in Connecticut.

To find out more about Kimberly-Clark, you can visit their website at www.kimberlyclark.com.

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