Operations News

The union members had already walked off the job once for 36 hours on Nov. 21 and 22, then a second time for seven days starting on Dec. 10. This indefinite strike is therefore their third walkout.

Upon arrival, crews found a baling machine on fire in an isolated room, with smoke conditions throughout the building. The facility's automatic sprinkler system activated and successfully kept the fire in check, fire officials said. Fire crews then supplemented the sprinkler system with additional suppression efforts to further extinguish the fire.

François Fillion holds a bachelor's degree in commerce with a major in accounting from McGill University and a graduate degree in accounting from the Université du Québec à Montréal, and joined Cascades in 2009.

The process to recruit a new Senior Vice President Sustainability and Communications will commence immediately.

Hanson joins Finch Paper after a long career with Pixelle/Glatfelter where he held various leadership positions in the Spring Grove, Chillicothe, Fremont and Androscoggin mills.

In her new role, Casteel will oversee all HR functions, including workforce strategy, compliance with labor laws and company policies, and talent management across recruitment, retention and succession planning.

Starting January 1, 2026, Hamburger Recycling is introducing key organizational changes to strengthen its leadership team.

Bull will lead further development of the packaging paper segment, focusing on the Golbey mill.

Smurfit Westrock Security Concepts (SWSC), the internationally recognised high security printing and identity management solutions provider, is pleased to announce the promotion of Eddie Ingram to the position of Finance Manager.

Maguire brings more than 30 years of senior leadership experience across the recycling, packaging and food industries to the role, which focuses on supplying sustainable corrugated packaging to Irish customers.

Spokesperson Scott Beal said it remains unclear how much the mill will purchase from New Brunswick sources going forward.

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

GreenFirst Forest Products will extend its holiday production curtailment to three weeks at three of its four sawmills due to challenging softwood lumber market conditions. The Hearst, Kapuskasing, and Cochrane mills in Canada will be shut down from 22 December 2025 to 9 January 2026 to align output with weak demand.

In her new role, Casteel will oversee all HR functions, including workforce strategy, compliance with labor laws and company policies, and talent management across recruitment, retention and succession planning.

Maria Mroué has been appointed as the Vice President of Communications and Brand for Metsä Group, effective 1 March 2026. She will report to Executive Vice President for Stakeholder Engagement Tomi Salo, joining from the single-family house construction company DEN where she served as Marketing, Communications and ESG Director.

All 144 employees who were temporarily laid off in early November are expected to return by Wednesday, representing about one-third of the mill's workforce.

The curtailments will begin on December 15th and is expected to reduce production by 13 million board feet.

Domtar Wood Products announced a curtailment in its lumber production. Due to challenging market conditions and ongoing economic uncertainty, Domtar will temporarily reduce its lumber production by 100 million board feet for the fourth quarter of 2025, including additional curtailments for the holiday season, at its facilities in Quebec, Ontario, and the United States.

The closure will affect 30 employees.

James Lomax assumes the role of Managing Director for the UK and Ireland Packaging Division at DS Smith. He succeeds Paul Clarke and moves from his current position as Director of Supply Chain and Operations for the company's EMEA Packaging Division.

A fire has been reported at Georgia-Pacific in Hosford early Wednesday, Dec 3.

Cascades inc. announced that Emmanuelle Migneault, currently Vice-President, Excellence, has been appointed Chief Human Resources Officer. She will assume her new duties as of January 5, 2026. She will succeed Maryse Fernet, who will be leaving on her well-deserved retirement in February 2026, after more than 38 years with Cascades--including 18 as the helm of Human Resources.

After hours of fighting the flames, crews were successful in putting out the fire, and no injuries were reported.

3 apparatus, 1 command vehicle and 25 firefighters responded and were there approximately 6 hours with an additional hour of cleanup afterwards.

Ilham Smaali has been with Essity since 2023, most recently in the position as Vice President Global Planning & Logistics.