OjiFS announces Specialty Boards manufacturing decision
Oji Fibre Solutions (OjiFS) has today announced the decision to cease manufacturing at its Specialty Boards operation in Hamilton on 30 June 2026, following a consultation process with staff.
Grant Fitzgibbon, Chief Executive Officer – Packaging, says the decision has been driven by sustained and significant profitability pressures within the Specialty Boards business, which produces solid fibre board products.
“Specialty Boards has faced ongoing financial challenges for some time, driven by a continued decline in demand for solid fibre board, increasing input costs, and limited remaining opportunities to reduce costs without impacting core operations and service.”
Mr Fitzgibbon says while the business has worked to diversify its product offering and markets, broader industry and market trends have outpaced those efforts.
“We have made extensive efforts to adapt the business, including diversifying products and markets and implementing cost-reduction initiatives,” he says.
“However, the shift to alternative raw materials has increased costs and reduced competitiveness, and further cost reductions are no longer achievable without compromising the integrity of the operation.”
As a result, OjiFS will cease manufacturing at Specialty Boards and investigate options for an outsourced supply model to meet customer requirements.
“This decision is another step in our plan to ensure Oji Fibre Solutions is sustainably profitable over the long term,” Mr Fitzgibbon says.
Mr Fitzgibbon says the company is committed to working closely with the 33 affected employees and customers throughout the transition.
“We recognise the impact this will have on our team in Hamilton, and we will be focused on providing support and clear communication as we move through the process,” he says.
“Our team will also work closely with customers to support their business needs and ensure a smooth transition.”
Media contact: Philip Millichamp philip.millichamp@ojifs.com +64 27 5033569
