Smurfit Westrock has announced the permanent closure of one paper machine at its La Tuque mill in Quebec, reducing annual solid bleached sulfate (SBS) capacity by 127,000 tons.
The Dublin-headquartered packaging group said the machine has faced ongoing scale and cost challenges. The decision forms part of a broader effort to strengthen its SBS portfolio and improve long-term competitiveness across its paperboard operations.
The company will also close its extrusion facility in Pointe-aux-Trembles, Quebec, which converts grades produced on the La Tuque machine.
Approximately 30 roles will be impacted at La Tuque and around 60 at Pointe-aux-Trembles.
Smurfit Westrock confirmed that affected employees will receive support, including career transition assistance, relocation opportunities where possible, and local severance in line with company policy and labour agreements.
Laurent Sellier, President and CEO of Smurfit Westrock’s North America region, described the move as a necessary step to align operations with current market conditions while reinforcing long-term positioning.
The company employs around 100,000 people across 40 countries and remains one of the largest global suppliers of paper-based packaging solutions.
Why It Matters
Solid bleached sulfate board is widely used in folding cartons for food, beverage, healthcare and premium consumer packaging.
A reduction of 127,000 tons of annual capacity in Quebec signals continued restructuring in the North American paperboard market, where energy, fibre, and logistics costs have pressured margins.
For FMCG brands and private label suppliers, any change in SBS capacity can influence supply dynamics, pricing negotiations, and regional sourcing strategies.
The closure also reflects ongoing portfolio optimisation following the merger that created Smurfit Westrock.
The company said it remains committed to its Canadian operations and customer service continuity.
