The move will take place 4 June when Le Nouvelliste, the only publication printed at the plant, will be transferred to Transmag, which has undergone more than $60m of investment over the past two years.

Transmag is part of a network of high end plants owned by C$2.1bn turnover Transcontinental which boast hybrid presses able to offer colour on every page and the ability to print on coated newsprint stocks.

Transcontinental senior vice president for the newspaper business' print division Ted Markle said that the overhaul of its facilities and the dramatic changes in the printing industry "led to a complete review of our newpaper printing networks and, unfortunately, to the closure of our newspaper printing operations in Trois-Rivíeres".

The closure will impact 50 staff who will be offered severance packages and out-placement services to help them quickly find alternative employment.