Economic difficulties affected the lumber and pulp and paper industry and the local factory was sold a number of times. In 2007, Bowater had a debt of $7 billion and merged with Abitibi-Consolidated. The merger was to sell off Abitibi's assets and close its mills for liquidity to settle Bowater's debt.
Economic issues impacted the lumber and pulp and paper sectors, causing the factory to change ownership multiple times. In 2007, Bowater had a significant debt of $7 billion and merged with Abitibi-Consolidated. The merger was aimed at selling off assets and shutting down mills for financial reasons to address Bowater's debts.