After careful consideration, global renewable energy company Drax has made the difficult decision to cease operations and idle pellet plant facilities in Leola and Russellville, Arkansas. The plants will cease operations and idle beginning November 1, 2025. Operations at our other U.S. sites will remain unaffected as we prepare for this ongoing process.
“Our top priority is to operate responsibly and efficiently, and this includes making hard decisions when the data clearly shows that continuing certain operations is no longer viable,” says Matt White, Executive Vice President of Pellet Operations for Drax. “While we are ceasing operations and idling our Arkansas plants, we will keep purchasing wood fiber from Arkansas landowners and businesses, keeping Drax involved in the Arkansas economy and maintaining our role in the local forest industry.”
Drax leadership recognizes the impact this decision will have on our dedicated workforce; therefore, they are implementing a comprehensive support plan for the 16 employees affected. This includes a severance package based on length of service and position, as well as opportunities for reemployment within the company, where possible. Drax is also partnering with local agencies and employers to connect workers with new employment opportunities.
“We are deeply grateful to our employees for their hard work and commitment over the years,” says White. “We are committed to supporting them through this transition and helping them find new opportunities.”
Drax remains committed to transparency and will continue engaging with employees, local communities, and stakeholders throughout this process.
Contact Information:
Michelli Martin
Communications Manager, US
318-372-3988
[email protected]
About Drax
Drax Group’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future and in 2019 announced a world-leading ambition to be carbon negative by 2040, using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology.
Drax’s around 3,000 employees operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production and supply to third parties. For more information visit http://www.drax.com/us
