Resolute Forest Products Inc. announced the indefinite idling of its paper mill located in Thorold, Ontario, Canada. The facility, which employed over 100 workers, has an annual production capacity of approximately 197,000 metric tons of newsprint on one machine using 100% recycled furnish.
The difficult decision to proceed with the indefinite idling is driven by the ongoing significant decline in North American newsprint consumption, coupled with the increasing cost of recovered paper. The company had already been taking downtime at the operation since mid-December 2016.
Resolute is collaborating with Stone House Investments Holdings Inc., an independent third party interested in converting Thorold to production of an alternative product. Resolute recognizes the impact of today's announcement and believes conversion of the mill would provide a more sustainable future for the operation, its workforce and the surrounding community.
The indefinite idling of the paper mill is effective immediately.
Resolute Forest Products is a global leader in the forest products industry with a diverse range of products, including market pulp, tissue, wood products, newsprint and specialty papers.
