Smurfit Westrock to Shut Down La Tuque Paper Machine, Cutting 90 Jobs

Event summary

  • Smurfit Westrock will permanently close a paper machine at its La Tuque mill, eliminating 127,000 tons of annual SBS production capacity.
  • The company will also shut down an extrusion facility in Pointe-aux-Trembles, Quebec, affecting 60 employees.
  • Total workforce reduction will be approximately 90 employees across both locations.
  • The closures are part of a strategic move to strengthen the SBS portfolio and improve long-term competitiveness.
  • Laurent Sellier, president and CEO of Smurfit Westrock North America, cited market realities as the driver for the decision.

The big picture

The closure reflects broader industry trends of consolidation and capacity rationalization in the paper and packaging sector. Smurfit Westrock’s move aligns with efforts by other manufacturers to optimize production footprints amid shifting demand patterns. The decision underscores the challenges of maintaining competitiveness in a sector facing pressure from both raw material costs and evolving customer preferences.

What we're watching

Capacity Adjustments
How Smurfit Westrock’s reduced SBS production will impact supply dynamics in North America.
Operational Efficiency
Whether the closures will lead to meaningful cost savings and improved margins.
Customer Impact
The pace at which Smurfit Westrock can transition affected customers to alternative supply sources.

Related topics

Packaging