Cascades, a leader in recovery and in the manufacturing of green packaging and tissue paper products, plans to close its plant in Trois‑Rivières, Que. As a result of this decision, Cascades will be permanently withdrawing from felt production for the floor covering market.

“Despite efforts to increase sales levels at the plant, the drop in popularity of vinyl flooring and the gradual market shift from felt backing toward fibreglass backing has had a serious negative impact on the plant’s operations. Unfortunately, the resulting low production volumes mean that the plant is not profitable, a trend that is not expected to reverse given the market outlook. In these circumstances, we, unfortunately, have little choice but to announce that the plant will cease operating,” said Luc Langevin, president and chief operating officer of Cascades Specialty Products Group in the press release.

In total, 35 employees will be affected by the resulting plant closure which is expected to shut down by July 1, 2019.

According to the release, the employees will be offered relocation to its other business units. Those who do not wish to or are unable to relocate to other plants will receive support in their search for other employment.