Kruger Shuts Down Corner Brook Pulp & Paper Amid Low Reservoir Levels, Pushes for $700M Retrofit

Kruger has commenced a shutdown at its Corner Brook Pulp and Paper mill due to critically low water levels at the Grand Lake reservoir, which supplies hydroelectric power crucial for newsprint production. The shutdown forces mill workers to shift roles while significant rainfall is awaited to resume normal operations. Kruger’s Vice President Darren Pelley emphasized the urgent need to initiate a $700 million mill transformation plan announced in July, highlighting its importance for sustaining jobs and supporting the provincial forestry sector. The retrofit project includes the addition of a wind farm and aims to boost energy capacity for NL Hydro, promoting sawmill industry growth in the province. Discussions with the new government are anticipated to accelerate the project’s start, aiming to secure long-term operational stability and economic benefits.