Cascades Announces The Complete Closure Of Its St. Helens Plant
11 August 2023
Cascades Inc., a frontrunner in the recovery and production of environmentally friendly packaging and hygiene products, has revealed its decision to close the second paper machine at its Tissue plant in St. Helens, Oregon. This action will lead to the complete shutdown of the facility, with the cessation of operations set to take effect at the outset of October.
This resolution is an outcome of the Company's previously communicated strategy to optimize the performance of its tissue paper production platform, which encompassed the closure of one of the two paper machines at the St. Helens plant. The present announcement advances the Company's effort to streamline its operational foundation by centralizing the majority of its tissue product operations at strategically located core sites that hold potential for future growth.
Jean-David Tardif, President and Chief Operating Officer of Cascades Tissue Group, elaborated on the rationale behind this move. He cited the recent market dynamics on the West Coast and a notable decline in demand for brown recycled products in that region, which specifically impacted the products manufactured at the St. Helens facility. In light of these challenges, the long-term financial sustainability of the plant was compromised, prompting the decision to conclude its operations.
The paper machine in question has an annual capacity of 50,000 short tons of brown 100% recycled tissue paper. Importantly, these tons are not integrated into Cascades' broader network. Consequently, the closure of this machine will bear no impact on the Company's other ongoing operations.
Cascades is committed to working closely with the 75 affected employees to mitigate the effects of this announcement. The Company intends to explore options for relocating those interested to other business units within the United States. For individuals who are unable or choose not to be reassigned to alternate facilities, Cascades will provide support in their pursuit of new job opportunities.
Source:cascades.com