| |
Temiscaming, Quebec, January 26, 2009 – Tembec today announced a series of market-related shutdowns affecting one of its Canadian pulp mills, as well as the Company’s three pulp mills in France. The shutdowns, ranging from two weeks to an indefinite idling, are a direct response to the global economic slowdown and the related impact on packaging and other pulp-consuming products.
In Canada, the high yield pulp mill located in Matane, Quebec which was expected to restart on January 31 will remain idled indefinitely. This extended shutdown will affect approximately 120 people.
In France, the paper pulp mills in Tarascon and Saint-Gaudens will each take four-week shutdowns starting February 8, and the specialty pulp mill in Tartas will begin a two-week shut on February 15. The Saint-Gaudens and Tarascon mills together employ roughly 550 people, and the Tartas mill, approximately 300.
Unlike earlier temporary shutdowns, these will affect both staff and hourly personnel. Employees at all affected sites have been informed of the Company’s decision.
“The aggressive actions announced today follow a review of current and foreseen market conditions. We have made the decision to respond in a manner that represents the best approach to minimizing losses, managing cash and reducing inventories,” said Jim Lopez, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We will obviously continue to monitor market conditions closely and will manage operating rates accordingly.”
The hardwood high yield pulp mill in Matane produces 250,000 tonnes annually. The Tarascon softwood Kraft mill and the Saint-Gaudens hardwood Kraft mill produce respectively 260,000 and 305,000 tonnes of pulp per year, and the Tartas speciality cellulose mill has an annual capacity of 155,000 tonnes.
Tembec is a large, diversified and integrated forest products company which stands as the global leader in sustainable forest management practices. With operations principally located in North America and in France, the Company employs approximately 7,000 people. Tembec’s common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TMB and warrants under TMB.WT. Additional information on Tembec is available on its website at www.tembec.com.
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of securities laws. Such statements relate to the Company’s or management’s objectives, projections, estimates, expectations or predictions of the future and can be identified by words such as “will”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect” and “project” or variations of such words. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of future developments. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in foreign exchange rates, product selling prices, raw material and operating costs and other factors identified in our periodic filings with securities regulatory authorities. Many of these risks are beyond the control of the Company and, therefore, may cause actual actions or results to materially differ from those expressed or implied herein. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Source: Tembec Web Site
|
