Resolute Forest Products to close two Calhoun machines
The Company announced the permanent closure of paper machines #3 and #5 at Calhoun operation.
This decision is motivated by challenging long-term market conditions – including unprecedented demand decline – for newsprint and uncoated groundwood paper produced on the machines.
The Calhoun pulp, paper, and tissue mill currently employs 713 people; 491 will remain employed following the announced changes. The permanent closure of the two paper machines and other announced changes will impact 222 hourly and salaried positions throughout the mill. Affected employees will be notified as soon as possible of their employment status at the mill. Some employees will be asked to continue to work to assist with the orderly shutdown of equipment, while others may be offered different positions within the mill or at other company facilities.
The recently completed tissue facility, remaining paper machine (#4) and pulp dryer will all continue to operate at Calhoun.
Resolute Forest Products stated, “We regret the impact this decision will have on our employees, their families and the community, and will work with affected employees, government officials and other local authorities on programs to mitigate the impact of the closures.”
