Kingsey Falls, QC - Cascades Inc., a leader in the recovery of recyclable materials and in the production of packaging and tissue products, announces the appointment of Mario Plourde as Chief Operating Officer.  Mario Plourde will commence his new functions effective today.

This appointment is part of a transition process within Cascades.  "Mario Plourde joined Cascades after graduation and over the years he has risen through the ranks to become a key member of our management team.  His appointment today is a clear expression of not only our confidence in Mario's leadership but also our desire to ensure the continuity of our corporate culture.  Moreover, Mr. Plourde's enhanced role in management will enable my brothers and me to devote more time to the strategic vision of the Company for the future", declared Alain Lemaire, Cascades' President and Chief Executive Officer.

In carrying out his duties, Mario Plourde will work in close collaboration with the group presidents in the recovery, packaging and tissue paper sectors, in the pursuit of operational and business objectives. Mario will retain responsibility for managing the Specialty Products Group until his successor for him has been chosen.

Mario Ploude obtained a Bachelor of Administration degree with a Major in Finance, from l'Université de Québec à Montréal.  He joined Cascades in 1985 as a controller.  He was then promoted to the position of plant manager, then General Manager and Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of the Specialty Products Group.  In 2000, Cascades named him President and Chief Operating Officer of this group, which consists of more than 40 units, 2600 employees and which generates annually more than 900 million dollars in business.