PORT ANGELES — A depressed market for telephone book paper is forcing Daishowa America to consider cost-saving measures that include the possibility of a temporary shutdown for several weeks.
The options being reviewed don’t include permanent closure of the company’s Ediz Hook plant just west of downtown Port Angeles, said David Flodstrom, Daishowa’s human resources manager.
“That’s not one we are looking at,” he said.
Flodstrom said company officials are studying “all possible ways to rescue manufacturing costs,” including how to cut raw material costs and other expenses.
“We’re going to do whatever makes good business sense and has the least amount of impact on our employees,” Flodstrom said.
The most extreme option being considered would be a temporary shutdown for several weeks, Flodstrom said.
Also being studied is the possible closure of Daishowa’s chip facility adjacent to the mill, he added.
Company president Teruo (David) Tamaki was unavailable for comment on Monday.
Daishowa is Clallam County’s largest private employer, with about 280 employees.
