News Paper
Catalyst to indefinitely curtail PM9 at Powell River

Catalyst Paper has decided to indefinitely shut down the No. 9 paper machine, one of three machines at its Powell River operation. The decision is market-related, says the company, due to a lack of orders and a declining market for the paper…

Catalyst Paper has decided to indefinitely shut down the No. 9 paper machine, one of three machines at its Powell River operation. The decision is market-related, says the company, due to a lack of orders and a declining market for the paper manufactured on PM9. The paper machine was temporarily curtailed on October 27.  

“This is a difficult, but necessary decision that supports Catalyst’s commitment to align mill operations and production with market demand,” said Joe Nemeth, president and CEO. “We are committed to making the Powell River operation successful for the long term, and will be working with our employees, leadership and the unions on a plan to make improvements to secure our sustainability.”

The shutdown is expected to lead to the loss of 50 jobs at the Power River operations and the Surrey Distribution Centre, Catalyst’s product distribution hub.

Catalyst manufactures diverse specialty mechanical printing papers, newsprint and pulp at three mills in British Columbia.