White Birch Paper confirmed the permanent closure of its F.F. Soucy Paper Mill in Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec, ending more than 60 years of operations after informing employee representatives and the Unifor union.
End of an Era for Quebec Paper Manufacturing
White Birch Paper has officially confirmed the permanent shutdown of its F.F. Soucy Paper Mill located in Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec. This decision marks the end of over six decades of continuous paper production at the facility, which has been a cornerstone of the local economy and the Canadian paper industry.
Impact on Workforce and Community
The company communicated this difficult decision to employee representatives and members of the Unifor union, acknowledging the significant impact on the workforce and surrounding communities. The mill has employed hundreds of workers over its operational history, contributing substantially to the regional economy of eastern Quebec.
Industry Context
This closure reflects broader challenges facing the North American paper industry, including declining demand for traditional printing and writing papers, rising operational costs, and increased competition from digital alternatives. Many paper manufacturers have been forced to rationalize their production capacity in response to these market pressures.
Looking Forward
While the closure represents a significant loss for the community, industry observers note that affected workers may find opportunities in the growing packaging sector, which continues to see strong demand driven by e-commerce growth. The transition away from graphic papers toward packaging and specialty products remains a key trend in the paper industry.
Original Source
This article is based on information from PaperAge. For complete details and updates, please refer to the original source.