Logout
Click here for Pulp & Paper Radio International
The Paperitalo Library
Free Downloads
Search
My Profile
Login
Domtar to Reduce Papermaking Capacity at Arkansas Mill
Print
Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 29 March 2011 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Domtar Corporation (NYSE: UFS) (TSX: UFS) today announced that, no later than 01 July 2011, it will permanently shut down one of four paper machines at its Ashdown, Arkansas, pulp and paper mill in the United States. This will reduce Domtar's annual uncoated freesheet paper production capacity by approximately 125,000 short tons. The mill's workforce will be reduced by approximately 110 employees.

"Domtar is committed to keeping a balance between its supply and its customer demand. Because secular demand decline in North America continues, we must permanently reduce our uncoated freesheet paper production capacity," said John D. Williams, president and chief executive officer of Domtar. "I want to thank affected employees for their efforts, and recognize all Domtar Ashdown mill employees for their hard work and continued focus on safety," he said.

Following the shutdown, the Ashdown mill will continue to operate three fiber lines, a pulp dryer, and three paper machines, and employ approximately 940 people. The mill will have an annual production capacity of approximately 810,000 metric tons of pulp and approximately 780,000 short tons of paper.

The closure will result in an aggregate pretax charge to earnings of approximately $80 million, which includes an estimated $77 million in noncash charges relating to the accelerated depreciation of the carrying amounts of manufacturing equipment and the write-off of related spare parts and $3 million related to other costs. Of the estimated total pretax charge of approximately $80 million, $6 million is expected to be recognized in the first quarter of 2011 and $74 million is expected to be incurred in the second quarter of 2011.

Domtar Corporation (NYSE/TSX:UFS) is the largest integrated manufacturer and marketer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America and the second largest in the world based on production capacity, and also manufactures papergrade, fluff, and specialty pulp. The company designs, manufactures, markets, and distributes a wide range of business, commercial printing, publishing, converting, and specialty papers. Domtar owns and operates Ariva, an extensive network of strategically located paper distribution facilities. The company employs approximately 8500 people. To learn more, visit http://www.domtar.com.

 

Related Articles:


Powered by Bondware
News Publishing Software

The browser you are using is outdated!

You may not be getting all you can out of your browsing experience
and may be open to security risks!

Consider upgrading to the latest version of your browser or choose on below: