By Rosalind Russell – The Espanola Pulp and Paper Domtar Mill will enter the final stage of idling tomorrow.
According to union officials, the pulp mill ceased production back in October and the work has focused on preparing for the idling phase of the pulp mill facility.
The work has included erecting fencing, flushing lines, and wrapping exhaust vents in preparation for the cold weather.
The final pulp mill schedule was emailed to the employees last week indicating the final day of work for many employees will be tomorrow with more layoffs to take place in January as the paper mill side of the operation completes winding down its operations.
The plan is to lay off remaining employees in May of 2024 leaving a skeleton crew of fewer than 20 employees on site for maintenance.
Photo: The idling of the Domtar Pulp and Paper Mill in Espanola continues. The closure takes place tomorrow with a small crew maintaining the site for the next year. Photo by Rosalind Russell