Catalyst Paper closes machine at British Columbia mill

The forest products company Catalyst Paper, based in Richmond, British Columbia, has announced the decision to indefinitely curtail its No. 9 paper machine, one of three machines at the company’s Powell River, British Columbia, paper mill operation.

Catalyst Paper says its decision is solely market related as it is facing a lack of orders and a declining market for the specialty paper manufactured on paper machine No. 9, which the company temporarily curtailed Oct. 27, 2014.

In addition to specialty paper, the Powell River mill produces newsprint and uncoated mechanical specialty papers that are used in catalogues, magazines, newsletters, inserts, flyers and high-volume weekend newspaper magazines.

Joe Nemeth, Catalyst president and CEO, says the decision to close one of its paper machines was challenging yet a necessary move to make.

“This is a difficult but necessary decision that supports Catalyst’s commitment to align mill operations and production with market demand,” Nemeth says.“We are committed to making the Powell River operation successful for the long term, and will be working with our employees, leadership and the unions on a plan to make improvements to secure our sustainability.”