275 people will soon be without a job after Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. announced as of July 2, they’re suspending operations at its Temiscaming High Purity Cellulose (HPC) plant for an indefinite amount of time.
Officials announced the news late yesterday afternoon.
De Lyle Bloomquist, president and chief executive officer, said persistent market weakness, uncertain availability of affordable wood fiber, and high capital and fixed costs have posed significant challenges for the Temiscaming HPC plant. He says it’s not a decision they take lightly, and are mindful of the impact it will have on the employees.
Officials say the decision doesn’t affect Rayonier’s paperboard and high-yield pulp plants located adjacent to the Temiscaming HPC plant. Those two plants, which are part of an ongoing sales process announced last October, remain competitive and will continue to operate at full capacity.
