WestRock Company, USA, has announced the closure of its Tacoma paper mill. The mill will conclude production by September 30, 2023. The closure will result in a production capacity reduction of 60,000 TPA pulp and 25,000 TPA specialty grade.
Aug 1, 2023
WestRock Company, USA, has announced the permanent closure of operations at its Tacoma, Washington, paper mill. The company will conclude production by September 30, 2023. Post-mill closure, nearly 60,000 TPA of pulp and 25,000 TPA of specialty grade capacity will be reduced.
Presently, Tacoma mill produces kraft and white top liner, and bleached pulp for a combined capacity of 510,000 TPA, and employs 400 people. The majority of kraft and white top liners will be transitioned to other mills in the WestRock system to serve the company’s customers in North America and international markets.
Watch: JMC Paper Tech Launches New Subsidiary JMC Papers
WestRock is looking to improve its Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) and maximize the performance of its assets. The combination of high operating costs and the need for significant capital investment were the determining factors in the decision to cease operations.
Mr. David B. Sewell, Chief Executive Officer at WestRock, commented, “WestRock is working to optimize our operational footprint and consolidate production in order to improve our return on invested capital, and we have made the difficult decision to close the Tacoma mill as part of this effort.” He further stated, “One of the most critical factors we consider when making the difficult decision to close a facility is the impact it will have on the lives of our team members, and we are committed to assisting our Tacoma team with exploring roles at other WestRock locations and nearby companies as well as providing outplacement assistance.”
