Smurfit WestRock closes paper machine at Quebec mill, cuts 90 jobs

Smurfit WestRock plc (NYSE: SW, LSE: SWR) announced the permanent closure of a paper machine at its La Tuque, Quebec mill, eliminating 127,000 tons of annual solid bleached sulfate production capacity.

The company will also close an extrusion facility in Pointe-aux-Trembles, Quebec, that converts materials produced by the La Tuque machine. The closures will result in workforce reductions of approximately 30 employees at La Tuque and 60 at Pointe-aux-Trembles.

The paper machine faced ongoing scale and cost challenges, according to the company's statement. The closures are part of efforts to strengthen the company's solid bleached sulfate portfolio and improve the competitiveness of its paperboard operations.

"This was a difficult but necessary decision to align with market realities and strengthen our long-term position," said Laurent Sellier, president and CEO of Smurfit WestRock's North America Region.

The company stated it will provide career transition assistance and relocation opportunities where possible to affected employees. Impacted workers will receive severance packages according to company policy and labor union agreements.

Smurfit WestRock operates as a paper-based packaging solutions provider with approximately 100,000 employees across 40 countries.

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