Greenfirst to reduce ops at 3 facilities for 1+ week

Executive Summary

• Greenfirst Forest Products is temporarily curtailing sawmill operations at its Kapuskasing, Hearst and Cochrane facilities for one week starting Oct. 6 2025 due to the idling of primary customer Kap Paper.
• The curtailment affects approximately 140 direct employees and may be extended at Kapuskasing depending on site‑specific challenges.
• Kiln and planer mill operations will continue uninterrupted; only sawmill production is impacted.

Key Details

• Trigger: Kap Paper’s decision to orderly idle its Kapuskasing paper mill, Greenfirst’s largest buyer of wood by‑products.
• Scope of Curtailment: Saw‑mill operations at three sites (Kapuskasing, Hearst, Cochrane) reduced for the equivalent of one week; potential extension at Kapuskasing.
• Effective Date: October 6, 2025.
• Employee Impact: Approximately 140 direct employees will be affected by reduced work hours or temporary lay‑offs.
• Operational Continuity: Kiln and planer mill activities remain fully operational with no interruption.
• Industry Context: This is the fourth pulp‑and‑paper mill closure in Ontario over two years, further straining regional capacity to absorb sawmill chips and biomass.
• External Pressures: Elevated duties/tariffs on lumber exports to the U.S., ongoing market uncertainty, and low lumber prices are compounding the operational challenge.
• Management Statement: CEO Joel Fournier emphasized commitment to protecting operations, supporting employees, and engaging with governments for viable long‑term solutions.

Notable Quotes

“We are navigating a period of significant uncertainty, marked by the idling of Kap Paper and challenging market conditions. We are doing everything possible to protect our operations, support our employees and work with governments to find viable solutions for Greenfirst's future.” – Joel Fournier, CEO, Greenfirst Forest Products Inc.