Catawba, South Carolina, USA, 12 March 2010 -- AbitibiBowater has laid off 30 workers at its Catawba pulp and paper mill in South Carolina as the company emerges from bankruptcy.

The Herald of Rock Hill, South Carolina, reported that AbitibiBowater's layoffs this week at the mill included employees in all levels and departments.

According to the report, Barry Baker, human resources manager said the company might cuts some hourly workers next. Plant managers and union leaders met this week to talk about the possibility of changes.

Baker said none of the employees released this week is getting severance packages because the company is in bankruptcy, which are not allowed in Chapter 11.

The company has suffered in the poor economy and changes in the newsprint industry. It filed for bankruptcy projection in April 2009 as it wrestled with more than USD 6 billion in debt.