Catalyst shuts down Rumford paper machine indefinitely
Catalyst said Tuesday that it will keep its No. 12 coated paper machine at the Rumford Paper Mill out of production indefinitely, describing it as a “fully market-related decision” that makes permanent the 51 layoffs announced in May when the machine was temporarily shut down.
The Bangor Daily News reported the coated paper produced on Rumford’s No. 12 machine was primarily used in magazines, catalogs and for commercial printing.
“This is a difficult but necessary decision that supports Catalyst’s commitment to align mill operations and production with market demand,” Joe Nemeth, Catalyst’s president and CEO, told the newspaper.
While the indefinite shutdown makes permanent the previously announced layoffs, it does not mean layoffs beyond those announced in May, according to Catalyst.
The indefinite shutdown announcement comes after news earlier this week that Lincoln Paper and Tissue Co. would lay off 20 to 25 workers when it shut down one of its tissue machines. And Verso two weeks ago said it would lay off 610 people at two mills, including 300 in Jay, according to the BDN.
The newspaper quoted the Maine Pulp and Paper Association as saying in a statement that both announcements “serve as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the industry, where success depends upon constant adjustment and innovation due to market conditions and other external pressures.”
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