Core Insights - Smurfit Westrock plans to permanently close a corrugated sheet and box facility in California, affecting 141 employees [1][2] - The closure is part of a broader strategy to optimize operations following the acquisition of WestRock by Smurfit Kappa in July 2024 [3] - The company has experienced a total loss of 4,500 employees and approximately 500,000 tons of capacity closures since the business combination [4] Facility Closures - The California facility in City of Industry is set to close on December 14, with all employees terminated at that time [2] - Previous closures include a facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, affecting 100 employees, and a plant in Portland, Oregon, announced in April [5] - Additional closures in April involved four facilities impacting 650 employees across various locations [5] Investment Plans - Despite the closures, the company plans to invest nearly $19.3 million to expand its corrugated operations in Saltillo, Mississippi, by October 2026 [6]

Core Insights - The Abbe Group has announced the acquisition of Oji Fibre Solutions' operations in Australia, which is expected to strengthen its position in the Australian corrugated packaging market [1][2] - The deal includes Oji's corrugated operations in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, as well as Oji Cardboard Carton Solutions and regional distribution facilities [2] - The completion of the transaction is anticipated on November 1, 2025 [2] Company Statements - Oji Fibre Solutions' chairman Jon Ryder emphasized that this acquisition is part of their transformation towards a more stable and sustainable business model, allowing them to focus on core operations in New Zealand [3] - The Abbe Group described the acquisition as a "major milestone" that will enhance its infrastructure and service reach, expressing enthusiasm for the future collaboration with the Oji team [3]