WestRock Announces Closure of Its Tacoma, Washington, Paper Mill

WestRock Company announced on Tuesday (8-1-23) that it was permanently closing its 94-year-old paper mill located in Tacoma, Washington. Production is scheduled to end by September 30th.

In a statement, the company said it is committed to improving its return on invested capital as well as maximizing the performance of its assets. The combination of high operating costs and the need for significant capital investment were the determining factors to cease operations at the mill.

The WestRock Tacoma facility produces kraft and white top liner and bleached pulp for a combined annual capacity of 510,000 tons. The majority of kraft and white top liner will be transitioned to other mills in the WestRock system.

Approximately 60,000 annual tons of pulp and 25,000 annual tons of specialty grade capacity will be reduced due to the shutdown. The Tacoma mill employs approximately 400 people.