Tembec to Sell Manitoba Newsprint Mill

Tembec, Temiscaming, Que., Canada, will put its newsprint mill in Pine Falls, Manitoba, up for sale. The facility, which has a production capacity of 200,000 metric tpy, has been idled since this past September 1 due to a labor dispute.

"We have examined a full range of options related to our continuing ownership of this facility and have concluded that it is in the best interest of Tembec and the employees of the Pine Falls mill that we exit that site," John Valley, executive VP, Business Development and Corporate Affairs, said. "It is our hope to find a new owner for the site and we are prepared to work with all parties to facilitate a transaction. However, if the sales process is not successful or if it is not completed in a timely manner, we will consider other options, including a permanent closure of the facility."

Tembec has informed the Province of Manitoba and the United Steelworkers (USW) that it is prepared to end the current lockout, subject to reaching an agreement on a limited number of local issues. The ending of the lockout will not, however, mean a resumption of operations, Tembec adds. The company has contacted the union through the USW to begin discussions on those issues, with the hope of achieving a timely resolution.

TAPPI
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