As if the COVID-19 situation wasn’t enough, there is more bad news when it comes to the local economy, especially in Quinte West.
Sometime in the middle of June the Sonoco paper mill in Glen Miller will be shut down, leaving 138 mostly unionized employees out of work.
Sonoco, one of the world’s largest diversified packaging manufacturers, said the closure was due to “market conditions”.
At the same time Sonoco announced a huge $83 million investment to upgrade recycled paperboard-making equipment at its major operation in South Carolina.
Mayor of Quinte West Jim Harrison called the news “sad” and said he’s reached out to MPP Todd Smith, MP Neil Ellis, the Quinte Economic Development Commission, and Premier Ford for help, adding he hopes a buyer for the plant can be found soon.
A paper mill of one sort or another has operated on the shores of the Trent River just north of Trenton since 1880.
Back in early February, another Quinte West business, cheese maker Saputo, announced it would close its plant at the end of September, putting 65 people out of a job.
