WestRock Company Evadale Paper Mill Shutdown Explained

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Credit: pexels.com, Drone view of contemporary industrial city district with manufacture constructions and factory warehouses

The WestRock Company Evadale paper mill shutdown was a significant event that had far-reaching consequences for the local community and the company itself. The mill, which was a major employer in the area, was shut down due to financial difficulties.

The shutdown was attributed to a decline in demand for the mill's products, including packaging paper and pulp. This decline was largely due to the rise of digital alternatives and a shift towards more sustainable packaging options.

The Evadale mill had been a staple in the community for decades, employing hundreds of people and contributing to the local economy. The shutdown was a devastating blow to the community, with many residents losing their jobs and facing uncertainty about their future.

The WestRock Company had attempted to revamp the mill's operations and increase efficiency, but ultimately decided to close the facility.

Reason for Machine Shutdown

The reason for the machine shutdown at WestRock's Evadale mill is to reduce production capacity by approximately 200,000 tons. This decision is aimed at improving the mill's competitiveness.

Credit: youtube.com, WestRock's Connected Automation | Improving Machinery Uptime, Efficiency and Lifetime Value

The company believes that current economic conditions and anticipated supply needs justify this move, allowing WestRock to more efficiently serve its customers. This will also help the company balance its supply with customer demand.

Patrick Lindner, chief innovation officer and president of Consumer Packaging, explained that reducing production capacity will enable WestRock to better serve its customers.

Causes of Shutdown

The shutdown of the paper machine at the Evadale mill is largely attributed to current economic conditions. The company aims to balance its supply with customers' demand.

Reducing production capacity is seen as a way to improve competitiveness. WestRock believes that by doing so, they can more efficiently serve their customers.

The shutdown will result in the elimination of 60 jobs. The remaining two machines at the mill will continue to support end markets.

Impact on Operations

Machine shutdowns can have a significant impact on operations, causing delays and downtime that can be costly to recover from.

Credit: youtube.com, Understanding Plant Shutdowns: Causes and Effects ?

A single shutdown can result in lost productivity, with some machines experiencing downtime of up to 20 hours per month.

This lost time can add up quickly, with one study showing that a single machine shutdown can cost a company over $10,000 in lost productivity alone.

In addition to lost productivity, machine shutdowns can also lead to equipment damage and maintenance costs.

Machine Shutdown Details

The shutdown of the paper machine at the Evadale mill is expected to occur by the end of 2020.

The company will eliminate 60 jobs as a result of the shutdown. The remaining two machines at the mill will continue to support end markets, including liquid packaging, foodservice, food, and premium coated pre-print liner for corrugated boxes, among other grades.

The company's total SBS production capacity after the shutdown will be approximately 1.9 million tons, a reduction of 200,000 tons from the current capacity.

Machine Shutdown Date

The shutdown of the paper machine at the Evadale mill is expected to occur by the end of 2020.

The exact date of the shutdown is not specified in the article, but it's clear that it will happen within the next few months.

Duration of Shutdown

Industrial Factory And Warehouse
Credit: pexels.com, Industrial Factory And Warehouse

The duration of a machine shutdown can vary depending on the type of shutdown being performed. A controlled shutdown can take anywhere from 1 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the system.

In a typical scenario, a server shutdown can take around 5 minutes to complete. This includes the time it takes for the operating system to shut down processes and services.

A sudden power failure, on the other hand, can cause the system to shut down immediately. This can happen in as little as 1 millisecond.

The duration of a shutdown can also be influenced by the type of hardware being used. For example, a shutdown on a computer with a solid-state drive (SSD) can be faster than one on a computer with a hard disk drive (HDD).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does WestRock company do?

WestRock is a leading provider of paper and packaging solutions, manufacturing a wide range of products including containerboard, paperboard, and pulp products. Their products serve various industries, from retail to manufacturing, with innovative packaging solutions.

Is WestRock a good company to work for?

WestRock has a generally positive work environment, with 62% of employee reviews being positive and the Engineering team reporting a 90% positive experience. However, 38% of reviews suggest areas for improvement, indicating a mixed experience for some employees.

What are WestRock shift hours?

WestRock shift hours are Monday through Friday, with options for 1st shift (7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), 2nd shift (3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.), and 3rd shift (11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.). Weekend hours may be required during peak periods.

Why is WestRock closing plants?

WestRock is closing plants due to low demand, as part of a restructuring effort. This decision affects multiple locations across the US, including Maryland, Indiana, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Missouri.

Louis Becker

Senior Writer

Louis Becker is a seasoned writer with a deep passion for maritime transportation. His insightful articles have shed light on the complexities and challenges of global shipping, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the industry's dynamics. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy, Becker has established himself as a trusted voice in maritime journalism.

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