Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the wordpress-seo domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /var/www/html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6260 Smurfit Westrock Announces Capacity Reductions and Facility Closures - Ink World Magazine

What are you searching for?

Sign in
Industry News, Printers News

Smurfit Westrock Announces Capacity Reductions and Facility Closures

Will permanently close its coated recycled board (CRB) mill in St. Paul, MN.

Author Image

By: DAVID SAVASTANO

Contributing Editor, Coatings World and Ink World, Coatings World and Ink World Magazine

Smurfit Westrock plc announced it will permanently close its coated recycled board (CRB) mill in St. Paul, MN, U.S. and will discontinue production at its containerboard mill in Forney, TX, U.S. The specialty coating facility at Forney will not be impacted.

As a result, the company’s containerboard and CRB capacity is expected to reduce by over 500,000 tons. Smurfit Westrock has also initiated consultations with local works councils in Germany with a view to permanently closing two converting facilities there.

Approximately 650 employees in the U.S. and Germany will be impacted as a result of these closures, and recognizes the impact this has on employees and the communities involved. Smurfit Westrock will provide support to employees during this transition including career transition assistance and relocation opportunities where possible. The impacted employees will receive local severance in accordance with company policy, as well as works council and labor union agreements.

“While closing facilities is never an easy decision, it is based on a realistic expectation of current and future capacity needs, operating costs and an unrelenting focus on improving our business,” said Tony Smurfit, president and group CEO, Smurfit Westrock. “We are very grateful for the significant contributions made by the teams at these locations over the years and we will do all we can to support them throughout this process.” 

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Get the latest Ink World magazine news, insights and analysis in your Google Search and AI experiences.

Add Ink World magazine as a preferred source on Google (opens in a new tab)

Keep Up With Our Content. Subscribe To Ink World magazine Newsletters