4 days ago
Corner Brook Pulp and Paper mill suspends operations to lower risk of wildfire
A pulp and paper mill on Newfoundland's west coast is temporarily suspending operations. The decision comes as the province fights multiple wildfires, including five that are burning out of control.
In a statement on Wednesday, Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited — owned by Kruger Inc. — said all forest operations stopped on Saturday, and operations at the mill will be put on hold starting Friday.
"This decision aligns with emergency measures introduced by provincial authorities to help safeguard communities and natural resources in areas facing very high and extreme fire risk," the company's statement reads.
As of Wednesday afternoon, there were nine wildfires burning in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The company said the estimated downtime will be about three weeks, and customer needs are being managed on a case-by-case basis.
"CBPPL will continue to monitor the situation attentively and adjust as conditions evolve," reads the statement.
This isn't the first time the mill has paused operations.
Just last year the mill closed temporarily for repairs on its steam distribution system, and in 2023 the mill was closed for a week because of the difficult business environment in the newsprint sector.
The mill celebrated its 100th anniversary last month, which came with a $700-million investment plan from Kruger to stabilize the facility and shift priorities to lumber production.
Kruger has a power purchase agreement with the province, and is still paying back a $110-million loan it signed with the government in 2014.
During the centennial celebration, Darren Pelley, vice-president of special projects with Kruger Inc., said the $700-million investment puts Kruger in a position to pay back the loan and finance a three-year vision.
The mill currently employs about 400 people.
