QUEBEC (From news reports) -- The former Tembec facility, now known as Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM) is closing its industrial complex in Témiscaming.

The closure is expected to take place Sept. 15 and will impact400 unionized workers.

The news was delivered to RYAM employees Wednesday, sending shockwaves and panic throughout the small French community.

"The community is panicking right now because we don't know much," said Carole Lambert.

RYAM is one of the region's largest employers.

"I'm thinking of the people of this town that I love so much, having taught there for three years. I'm having a hard time containing the anger I'm feeling right now. The forestry industry is now on life support, and all of this is entirely the work of you-know-who," a local podcaster posted on his social media profiles.

Daniel Cloutier, Quebec director of the Unifor union told various media outlets about 400 unionized workers will lose their jobs, as well as, managers and related employees.

The closure is as a result of new 50 per cent tariffs on products shipped to the United States.

"It's extremely difficult. Obviously, it creates a tremendous amount of uncertainty. The workers and the people in the community have been doing everything they can for several years to ensure the survival of this workplace, which is so important to the region," Cloutier stated.

RYAM has had a tough few years with the closure of the high-purity cellulose production line in 2024. This resulted in the loss of 275 jobs.

"They're not wrong that they will be affected by tariffs. However, we know that this plant has been put in a precarious position for several years because of decisions made by RYAM," Cloutier stated. "We don't see any willingness whatsoever from RYAM to plan a future for this site."