BARNWELL, S.C. (WFXG) - Cascades, a company that manufactures tissue paper, will close its plant in Barnwell later this year, according to the company.

In a release posted to the company's website, Cascades says it will be simplifying operations by concentrating the majority of its tissue products business to more "geographically well-positioned" sites. This move, according to the company, will include closing under-performing plants in Barnwell, South Carolina and Scappoose, Oregon, as well as a machine at its St. Helens Plant in Oregon. Those closures will begin in July 2023.

"Today's announcement lays the groundwork for a simplified and sustainable production model that will better meet both our customers' and Cascades' long-term growth aspirations," said President and Chief operating officer of the Tissue Group, Jean-David Tardif. "This was not an easy decision to make, but it's the right one for the company's future. I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our employees impacted by this decision, and I hope that many of them will be able to stay with the company."

Cascades says it will work with the three hundred affected employees to mitigate the impact of the closings, including offering relocation to other businesses. The company says employees who cannot or don't want to relocate will receive support in their employment search.

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