Finch Paper will end pulp production at its Glens Falls, New York, mill while continuing to manufacture paper using purchased market pulp, marking a significant shift in the site's operating model rather than a full mill closure.
The company said the transition will allow it to focus on papermaking, broaden its product offering and strengthen the long-term resilience of its operations.
Paper production to continue
Paper manufacturing at the Glens Falls facility will continue after pulp production ceases. Instead of producing its own pulp, Finch will source all of its fibre furnish from external suppliers, bringing an end to the mill's integrated pulping and woodyard operations.
Until now, the mill produced most of its own pulp while supplementing its furnish with approximately 20% purchased market pulp. The transition reflects a less integrated operating model that allows the company to focus on paper manufacturing while relying on specialized external pulp suppliers.
Employees offered other opportunities
According to the company, hourly employees working in the pulp mill and woodyard will be offered other positions within Finch. Many affected salaried employees may also be considered for available roles elsewhere in the organization.
The company will discontinue purchases of pulpwood from the independent regional logging contractors that have traditionally supplied the mill. It will, however, continue purchasing bark, sawdust and other wood residues to fuel its biomass cogeneration facility, which generates steam used in paper production.
Regional fibre market affected
While the paper machines will remain in operation, the decision is expected to have broader implications for the regional forest products supply chain.
The Glens Falls mill historically produced most of its own pulp while purchasing the remainder from external suppliers. Its woodyard reportedly received approximately 45 to 50 truckloads of pulpwood each day, making Finch an important customer for independent logging contractors in the Adirondack region.
The transition is therefore expected to have its greatest immediate impact on the regional pulpwood market and local fibre suppliers, while paper manufacturing at Glens Falls continues with externally sourced market pulp.
Finch Paper manufactures uncoated printing and specialty papers at its Glens Falls, New York, mill, serving commercial printing, publishing and specialty markets across North America.
