Winstone Pulp International (WPI) announced the official closure of operations at the Karioi pulp mill and the Tangiwai sawmill after rising energy prices forced an operational pause last month. The mills provide more than 200 permanent jobs in the district.
Chief executive Mike Ryan said it was not a decision taken lightly: “We gave due consideration to the feedback and alternatives put forward by staff and unions but have been unable to identify any viable options that enable the company to continue operations on a sustainable basis. There were a number of good ideas put forward that would make incremental improvements to our operations, but not enough to offset the dual impacts of internationally uncompetitive energy prices in New Zealand, and the relatively low current and forecast market prices for pulp and timber.”
