Weyerhaeuser Closes Kentucky Containerboard Machine

Published: August 05, 2002, By PRESS RELEASE

FEDERAL WAY, WA, USA—Last week, Weyerhaeuser Co. reported it's closing it corrugating medium machine, Hawesville, KY, USA, within the next 60 days. Co. says the machine shutdown is permanent, and approximately 142 positions will be eliminated due to the closure.

According to the forest products company, the shutdown of the corrugating machine elminates 200,000 tons of capacity and follows the shutdown of a 215,000-ton-capacity corrugated machine at Plymouth, NC, announced in May.

The announcement is part of the company's integration of Willamette Industries into Weyerhaeuser, says co.; it acquired the Hawesville machine at a result of the recent Willamette acquisition. The site operates production facilities for fine paper and pulp, which co. says will not be impacted by corrugating machine shutdown. The co. adds that it is working closely with impacted employees to provide job-transfer opportunities, outplacement services, and counseling.

Visit Weyerhaeuser at weyehaeuser.com.