TACOMA, WASH.—  WestRock announced it will cease operating its paper mill in Tacoma, Washington by September 30, 2023. The combination of high operating costs and the need for significant capital investment were the determining factors in the decision to cease operations at the mill. The Tacoma mill produces kraft and white top liner and bleached pulp for a combined annual capacity of 510,000 tons. The majority of kraft and white top liner will be transitioned to other mills in the WestRock Mills. Approximately 60,000 annual tons of pulp and 25,000 annual tons of specialty grade capacity will be reduced due to the shutdown. Announcements about paper mill shutdowns has become a monthly  occurrence with Stora Enso, Canford, Island Papers , Arjowiggins, Domtar, UPM and now Westrock have all announced mill or machine shut downs this year.