News
Fortress Paper resumes construction on dissolving pulp project

Construction activities resumed at the Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill in Thurso, Que., on Oct. 27. The final stages of the conversion of the kraft mill to dissolving pulp had been halted for several days due to a walkout by construction…

Construction activities resumed at the Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill in Thurso, Que., on Oct. 27. The final stages of the conversion of the kraft mill to dissolving pulp had been halted for several days due to a walkout by construction workers. Fortress Paper says the project began experiencing instances of construction worker absenteeism on Thursday, Oct. 20. Certain trade workers failed to report to the construction site, in increasing numbers, the following day and throughout the weekend.

The unexpected full walkout by the construction workers on Monday, Oct. 24, has delayed the conversion project at the mill. Assuming the construction workforce continues to be fully engaged, the company expects that dissolving pulp production will commence no later than in mid-November 2011. Start-up was initially expected in early November.

The construction walkout was a reaction to legislation that is under discussion by the Quebec government that would affect the role of unions in construction.