AV Group NB plans to temporarily idle its Nackawic pulp mill in New Brunswick around the end of October 2026. The facility employs approximately 350 people. No restart date has been announced.
In its September 17 announcement, the company attributed the decision to continuing challenges arising from market conditions and broader macroeconomic factors. It said the decision followed a careful assessment, without providing further details about the pressures affecting the mill.
Nackawic has an annual production capacity of approximately 190,000 tonnes of dissolving-grade pulp. AV Group NB said it will continue to monitor market and business conditions and assess future scenarios for the facility.
The company confirmed that its Atholville pulp mill is not affected by the decision, according to its announcement.
228 Unifor members affected
According to Unifor, the shutdown will put 228 active members represented by Local 219 out of work. That figure refers to the unionized workers affected, while the approximately 350 employees reported by the company represent the mill’s overall workforce.
Unifor National President Lana Payne highlighted the consequences for workers, their families and the community. The union also warned of repercussions for contractors, suppliers and forestry businesses across the region.
Options for the mill’s future
Unifor said it has worked with the New Brunswick government to explore solutions aimed at protecting operations and jobs. In a letter to the government in June, the union outlined potential diversification opportunities for the Nackawic and Atholville facilities, including xylitol, other chemicals and bioenergy.
These remain union proposals. AV Group NB’s announcement does not include a diversification project or specify how long the shutdown will last or what conditions would be required for a restart.
