Local Coalition Seeks to Purchase RYAM Mill in Témiscaming, QC

A Canadian coalition of local managers at the Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM) paper mill in Témiscaming, Quebec, unionized workers, and First Nations is pursuing the purchase of the facility, Unifor announced on Friday.

The initiative aims to secure the mill’s future, protect local jobs, and develop a locally driven plan to restart operations.

The move follows a similar effort in 1973, when workers, former managers, and community members purchased and reopened the mill under the Tembec name after Canadian International Paper closed it the previous year.

The coalition’s partners plan to share further details on the next steps as discussions progress.

Commenting on the initiative, Unifor National President Lana Payne said:

“The future of our mills should not be decided far from the communities that keep them running. This initiative offers a path to Canadian ownership, with local partners who have a direct stake in the company’s long-term success. Unifor supports this effort.”

Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier added:

“Quebec needs its processing mills to realize the full value of its forest resources. In Témiscaming, skilled jobs, valuable expertise and an entire network of suppliers are at stake. Supporting this initiative means supporting the economic future of our regions and we need to do this together “

Unifor Local 233 President Stéphane Lefebvre said:

“Our members know this mill and want to keep working here. Their experience must help shape a strong plan to restart operations, with the goal of also giving future generations the opportunity to build a future in Témiscaming. There is still work ahead, but we are ready to do our part.”