Veracel Celulose Begins 2026 General Shutdown Hiring 1,200 Professionals in Southern Bahia

Veracel Celulose's 2026 General Shutdown started on January 26, 2026, promising a strong boost to southern Bahia's economy. The company expects to hire about 1,200 professionals directly, favoring local workers, while investing R$ 8.5 million in regional transportation, food, and lodging services.

The effort engages suppliers and service providers from nearby municipalities to bolster the local production chain. Hospitality, food, and logistics sectors stand to gain most, driving income and resource flow during the shutdown.

This key industrial event spurs temporary jobs and local business activity. “In addition to the socioeconomic impact, the General Shutdown is part of Veracel's ongoing commitment to operational safety, the reliability of its industrial processes, and the sustainability of the business, ensuring the stability of the factory and the long-term efficiency of the operation,” states Fabrício Stange, Veracel's industrial director.

The shutdown centers on mandatory maintenance of the Recovery Boiler to guarantee safe, ongoing operations. Plant activities pause for inspections, repairs, preventive work, and equipment upgrades.

Efforts target tech modernization and obsolescence risks, including relay replacements in the electrical substation and drives for the drying machine. "These actions reinforce operational reliability, the safety of industrial assets, the long-term sustainability of the business, and adherence to regulatory standards, such as NR-13," adds Stange.

Planned tasks encompass the CD Filter improvement project, mud filter overhaul, drying area cutter upgrades, new chipping line interconnection, fifth effect retubing in evaporation, turbo generator valve maintenance, and new Recovery Boiler ash decanter hookup.