ARAUCO North America's operation in St. Stephen, N.B. (Photo submitted)
The mayor of St. Stephen says the closure of the Arauco particleboard plant will have a serious impact on the town.
ARAUCO North America announced Wednesday it would be ceasing operations on Dec. 13, affecting between 60 and 75 jobs.
Allan MacEachern said news of the closure did not come as a complete surprise but was still shocking.
MacEachern said the plant has been in the town for more than 60 years and is a big part of the community.
“I used to work there so I’ve got a personal attachment to the mill and I’ve got a lot of friends there I feel deeply saddened about,” said MacEachern.
MacEachern said he had heard rumours about the plant’s future but news of the closure still left him dismayed. He said the town’s focus right now is on those who will be affected by the decision.
“The community is there for them and we will get through this, it’s just we’ve got to deal with the shock right now,” MacEachern said.
MacEachern said they hope to work with those affected and find them work at new developments they have coming.
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