Domtar Paper has announced the company is planning to reduce its workforce at two locations, including the Port Huron plant. In a press release to the media this week, the company said it would be permanently shutting down two of its paper machines at the Port Huron and Ashdown, Arkansas locations. The shutdown will cause a reduction of about 100 employees between the two locations with Ashdown seeing the majority of the jobs reduction.
According to Port Huron City Manager James Freed, Domtar Port Huron will see 22 employees lose their jobs, reducing the company’s workforce in Port Huron to 212. Freed said in an email to the Port Huron City Council that, “the job market is strong in [Port Huron] and [he believes] full employment can be found for the affected workers and residents.” John D. Williams, President and CEO of Domtar, cited a declining market for uncoated freesheet paper. The American Forest and Paper Association describe uncoated freesheet paper as a grade of paper that is used as copy paper, envelope paper, business form paper, and can be used in books. Craig Timm, Manager of Regional Public Affairs for Domtar told WGRT the Port Huron machine will be shut down on November 15th.
