FREDERICTON — Politicians in New Brunswick say they are disappointed by the planned closure of the pulp mill in Nackawic that has operated in one form or another for more than half a century.

AV Group NB Inc., a subsidiary of the India-based Aditya Birla Group, announced Thursday it would temporarily idle its AV Nackawic facility west of Fredericton around the end of October.

The mill employs about 350 people and produces dissolving grade pulp used in the production of textiles.

Richard Bragdon, the Conservative MP for the area, described the mill’s closure as deeply troubling for the province.

Liberal Premier Susan Holt says the announcement is very difficult for the workers, their families and the Nackawic-Millville Rural Community where the mill is the key economic driver.

And Richard Ames, the provincial legislator for the area, says there are worrying days ahead as the closure will have an impact on New Brunswick’s broader forestry industry.

Provincial Natural Resources Minister John Herron says the government is working on a plan to support those who need it most.

Union officials with Unifor says the closure of the mill is a devastating decision that will put more than 200 of its members out of work and deliver a serious blow to the local economy.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 18, 2026.

Eli Ridder, The Canadian Press