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.<\/p>\n
The announcement came during a town hall meeting for employees on Aug. 20 at the site in Port Mellon.<\/p>\n
Domtar, the company that owns the mill, said operations at the Bayview Fibre chipping facility will also be idled.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The announcement will affect approximately 400 employees, the company says.<\/p>\n
"We're just kind of in shock," said Andrew Appleton, a tugboat captain at the mill who has worked there for 22 years.<\/p>\n
"It's something that, you know, I think we all thought that could happen down the road if things didn't get better."<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
"Everybody's just kind of walking zombies right now at the mill, just trying to figure out what their next steps are,\u201d Appleton said.<\/p>\n
Back in 2015, the mill closed part of its operations, affecting up to 180 workers.<\/p>\n
Luc Th\u00e9riault, Domtar\u2019s 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]."<\/p>\n
He said the business decision to indefinitely idle these facilities is the result of careful consideration and is not a reflection on employees.<\/p>\n
"The teams at Howe Sound and Bayview Fibre worked tirelessly to improve performance but current market conditions require this step," Th\u00e9riault said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
"The business will monitor market conditions, domestic [fibre] availability and the overall business environment, and will evaluate future opportunities if conditions improve,\u201d Th\u00e9riault said.<\/p>\n
Appleton is not sure what he's going to do for work, but considers himself one of the lucky ones.<\/p>\n