Domtar has announced what it describes as the "indefinite idling" of operations at the Howe Sound Pulp and Paper mill on B.C.'s Sunshine Coast.
The announcement came during a town hall meeting for employees on Aug. 20 at the site in Port Mellon.
Domtar, the company that owns the mill, said operations at the Bayview Fibre chipping facility will also be idled.Â
The announcement will affect approximately 400 employees, the company says.
"We're just kind of in shock," said Andrew Appleton, a tugboat captain at the mill who has worked there for 22 years.
"It's something that, you know, I think we all thought that could happen down the road if things didn't get better."
Appleton was at work on Thursday and said everyone was calling their families and loved ones to share the news. He was told employees' last day will be Oct. 19.
"Everybody's just kind of walking zombies right now at the mill, just trying to figure out what their next steps are,” Appleton said.
Back in 2015, the mill closed part of its operations, affecting up to 180 workers.
Luc Thériault, Domtar’s president said "the business cannot overcome reduced demand from Asia, unprecedented and sustained poor pricing for pulp globally, and a decline in affordable domestic [fibre]."
He said the business decision to indefinitely idle these facilities is the result of careful consideration and is not a reflection on employees.
"The teams at Howe Sound and Bayview Fibre worked tirelessly to improve performance but current market conditions require this step," Thériault said.
He added that he recognizes the hardship this decision will have on the employees of the facilities and the Sunshine Coast community as well as the coastal forest sector.
"The business will monitor market conditions, domestic [fibre] availability and the overall business environment, and will evaluate future opportunities if conditions improve,” Thériault said.
Appleton is not sure what he's going to do for work, but considers himself one of the lucky ones.