The union representing employees at the AV Nackawic pulp mill says the operation will be temporarily idled this fall, with 228 workers expected to lose their jobs in November.
Immediate impact and local reaction
Unifor described the decision as “devastating” for the rural community of Nackawic‑Millville, where the mill has long been a principal employer and an economic anchor. The company, a subsidiary of India‑based Aditya Birla Group, did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
“This is a devastating decision that will put 228 people out of work and deliver a serious blow to the local economy,” Unifor said in a statement.
Natural Resources Minister John Herron confirmed the company will be temporarily idling operations and said provincial officials are outlining a response to support those most affected.
What the mill makes and its role in the region
The facility produces dissolving‑grade pulp, a raw material used in the manufacture of textiles. For decades the plant has been an important purchaser of timber from surrounding counties, underpinning jobs not only at the mill but across the forestry supply chain.
Industry observers say interruptions at a single large processing facility can ripple across a region, affecting loggers, truckers, equipment suppliers and local businesses that rely on mill payrolls.
Provincial response and supports
Mr. Herron said the provincial government is working on a plan to assist impacted workers and communities but did not provide specifics. Those affected typically look to a combination of employment supports, retraining programs and, in some cases, targeted economic development funds to soften the blow.
- Number of jobs affected: 228
- Company: subsidiary of Aditya Birla Group
- Product: dissolving‑grade pulp for textiles
- Expected timing of layoff: November
Wider industry context
Recent reporting has highlighted a slowdown in wood deliveries to the Nackawic site, a trend that has put pressure on operations and supply chains. While the company has framed the action as a temporary idling, the uncertainty is likely to heighten concerns in a forestry sector already dealing with fluctuating markets and transportation challenges.
For rural communities where a single large employer supports dozens of small businesses and municipal revenues, a prolonged shutdown can lead to property tax shortfalls and reduced consumer spending, complicating recovery efforts.
What comes next
Unifor and the company will likely enter discussions over severance, recall rights and potential re‑opening conditions. The provincial government has signalled it will coordinate supports, but details — including eligibility for programs, timelines and any measures to assist dependent businesses — remain to be announced.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Workers affected | 228 |
| Product | Dissolving‑grade pulp (textile feedstock) |
| Company owner | Aditya Birla Group (subsidiary) |
| Timing | Idling planned for November |
Local leaders, unions and provincial officials now face a narrow window to mobilize supports and to explore ways to limit long‑term harm. For now, workers and their families are left waiting for details on provincial assistance and any commitments from the company about timelines for a restart.
As the situation develops, residents will be watching for announcements on income supports, job‑search services and retraining opportunities targeted at displaced mill workers, as well as any initiatives to stabilise the forestry supply chain in the region.
This report will be updated as more information becomes available.
