Smurfit WestRock closes Quebec paper machine to enhance competitiveness
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 09 2026
0mins
Should l Buy SW?
Source: Newsfilter
Smurfit WestRock's stock rose by 3.06% as it reached a 20-day high amid broader market declines.
The company announced the permanent closure of a paper machine at its La Tuque, Quebec mill, which has an annual production capacity of 127,000 tons of solid bleached sulfate (SBS). This move aims to address ongoing scale and cost challenges, thereby strengthening the company's SBS portfolio and ensuring long-term competitiveness in its paperboard operations. The closure will also affect the extrusion facility in Pointe-aux-Trembles, resulting in approximately 90 job losses across both locations. CEO Laurent Sellier emphasized that this decision is necessary to align with market realities and enhance the company's position in Canada.
This strategic adjustment reflects Smurfit WestRock's commitment to improving operational efficiency and adapting to market conditions, which may positively influence investor confidence in the company's future performance.
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Analyst Views on SW
Wall Street analysts forecast SW stock price to rise
11 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 46.470
Low
45.00
Averages
50.49
High
60.00
Current: 46.470
Low
45.00
Averages
50.49
High
60.00
About SW
Smurfit Westrock plc is a multinational provider of sustainable fiber-based paper and packaging solutions. Its segments include Europe, the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Asia-Pacific (APAC); North America, and LATAM, which has a system of mills and plants that primarily produce a full line of containerboard that is converted into corrugated containers within each segment or is sold to third parties. Its North America segment offers linerboard, white-top linerboard and containerboard, and kraft paper and caters primarily to corrugated packaging markets. Its Europe, MEA and APAC segment primarily offer a full line of containerboard that is converted into corrugated containers. It is also engaged in packaging and paper market segments, such as sack kraft paper, machine glazed paper, graphic board, solid board, solid board packaging and boxboard. The LATAM segment is engaged in producing containerboard, consumer packaging board and sack kraft paper.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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