Only 1 Paper Mill Operating In Corner Brook

The last pulp and paper mill in Newfoundland and Labrador is partially operating again as of Tuesday after a significant shut down that started last fall due to extremely low water levels at Grand Lake. It was one of the longest shut downs in the Corner Brook mill's history. Kruger Inc, the mill's owner, indicated it would take weeks to ramp up operations, given the plant was shut during winter's coldest months. But local politicians believe this partial re-start is an indication of big changes in operations and jobs. One paper-making machine is running, on and off. "We will have some periods where we will run. Some work is then needed. That will stop operations, but that will continue to ramp as we go over the next couple of days," explained Darren Pelley, vice-president of special projects with Kruger Inc. Pelley said Kruger will monitor water levels and continue to make paper when possible. This is not the first time the mill has shut down operations in recent years. "This is a big blow to the city," said Eddie Joyce, the MHA for Humber-Bay of Islands. Joyce said the diversification plans will only include operating one of the two remaining paper machines inside the 100-year-old plant, which would be a direct loss of 72 jobs. "It's very concerning that they are going to build windmills, sell it to the power grid and there is going to be layoffs here in Corner Brook," he said. "I hope government steps in here with this and ensures anyone who is laid off will have a job." The provincial government has supported the mill for over a decade with a loan agreement made in 2014 worth $110 million. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/this-is-a-big-blow-to-the-city-only-one-paper-machine-operating-at-corner-brook-mill-after-major-shutdown-9.7093961