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Domtar to Shut Down Fine Paper Machine at North Carolina Mill
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Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 05 February 2009 -- /PRNewswire/ - Domtar Corporation (NYSE/TSX: UFS) announced today that it will permanently reduce its fine paper manufacturing at its mill in Plymouth, North Carolina, USA, by shutting down one of the two paper machines comprising the mill's fine paper production unit. This will result in the curtailment, at the end of February 2009, of 293,000 short tons of the mill's uncoated freesheet production capacity. Domtar plans to reduce staff across various parts of the mill by approximately 185 employees.

"Continued adverse economic conditions and the decline of fine paper orders require that we reduce our uncoated freesheet manufacturing capacity," said John D. Williams, president and chief executive officer of Domtar. "Plymouth employees have made commendable efforts over the years to keep their facility operating efficiently and I want to thank all affected employees for their hard work and dedication," he said.

The Plymouth mill will continue to operate two pulp lines, one pulp dryer, and one paper machine.

From a financial perspective, the closure will result in pre-tax charges to earnings of approximately CAD 51 million, of which an estimated CAD 41 million is non-cash relating to the write-down of the paper machine and a sheeter. Of the pre-tax cash charges, CAD 9 million relate to severance and employee benefits and CAD 1 million to other items. Pre-tax impact on earnings is expected to be incurred in the first quarter of 2009.

As a result of this decision, the carrying amount of the remaining assets is currently being tested for impairment and may result in a write-down during the first quarter of 2009. The carrying amount of these assets was approximately CAD 350 million on 31 December 2008.

Domtar will take appropriate measures to assist employees affected by these decisions in accordance with its policies.

Domtar Corporation (NYSE/TSX:UFS) is the largest integrated manufacturer and marketer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America and the second largest in the world, based on production capacity, and is also a manufacturer of papergrade, fluff, and specialty pulp. The company designs, manufactures, markets, and distributes a wide range of business, commercial printing, publication, converting, and specialty papers. Domtar owns and operates Domtar Distribution Group, an extensive network of strategically located paper distribution facilities. Domtar also produces lumber and other specialty and industrial wood products. The company employs nearly 11,500 people. To learn more, visit www.domtar.com.
 
 

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