The Weyerhaeuser pulp mill in Grande Prairie is being sold to International Papers. It’s part of a $2.2 billion deal that involves four other pulp mills in the states and two modified fiber mills in the U.S. and Poland.
Public Affairs Manager Wayne Roznowsky says Weyerhaeuser will be keeping its sawmill, along with its forestry and timber lands operations, as the company moves to focus more on wood products. Roughly 300 of the 600 employees in Grande Prairie will be affected, but it’s unclear whether they’ll see much change other than a new name on their paycheque.
The sale is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2016, and the funds will be used to pay off loans. The Grande Prairie mill was bought off of Proctor and Gamble in 1992.