An official at Nippon Paper Industries (Tokyo, Japan) U.S. paper mill in Port Angeles, Wash., this week announced the curtailment of one of the company's two paper machines, effective tomorrow, December 12. "Restart of the paper machine will occur when the economic conditions improve enough to justify resumption of operations," mill manager Steve Johnson said in an email Monday to the Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, Wash., USA.

 

No restart date has been scheduled. Johnson did not say how many people would be affected by the curtailment in operations. "The curtailment is necessary to balance capacity with the current economic climate and slow sales of uncoated mechanical papers," Johnson said.

 

Employees at the Ediz Hook mill were informed of the reduction in operations late Monday afternoon.

 

The pulp mill's No. 3 paper machine, cogeneration plant, and other supporting operations will remain in full operation during this period," Johnson added.

 

Company officials are working closely with the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers and city officials to identify and minimize impacts of the curtailment.