The closure of a mill in Nackawic is going to affect business at Port Saint John.
According to president and CEO Craig Bell Estabrooks, AV Nackawic has been an important part of the port’s container export business.
“From our standpoint, they’re about five to 10 per cent of our overall (container) volume and about 15 to 20 per cent in any given year right now of our exports,” Estabrooks said.
But he said the impact is much more significant for the community.
“First of all, your thoughts have to go to all the families and workers that are working at that facility,” Estabrooks said.
“This is a tough, tough moment.”
While it’s a blow to the port, Estabrooks described it as a hiccup amplified because the business is close to home and the product has been an anchor cargo for many years.
“I remember the conversations we had with container lines when we were pre-modernization and just starting out,” he said.
“That AV cargo specifically … became a bit of a demonstration to the container lines, come bet on Port Saint John.”
Estabrooks said the port’s focus on a variety of sectors minimizes the negative effects to the business.
“I think the key to our business is diversity and making sure that when you have moments where things don’t work out quite as you hope that you’re able to keep everything steady and move forward with other revenue streams.”
