In a cost-cutting move, Weyerhaeuser Co. will eliminate 79 jobs from its Pine Hill, Ala. , containerboard operation, The Thomasville Times reported. The job cuts include 19 salaried and 60 hourly workers, out of a work force of about 425.

Randy Nebel, vice president and mill manager of the Pine Hill operation, says changes are necessary to keep the Pine Hill containerboard operation competitive in the global containerboard market.

Restructuring and eliminations of salaried jobs will occur over the next few weeks and months. Eliminations of hourly jobs will be handled according to the labor agreement with United Steelworkers union.

Weyerhaeuser, based in Federal Way, Wash. , will support affected employees with transition benefits.

It also iscomplying with federal WARN Act requirements,including sending letters to all employees and to specified public officials.

After the restructuring is completed, Weyerhaeuser's containerboard operation will employ about 350 people in production, maintenance and support staff. In all, the Pine Hill operations will employ about 650 workers.

Weyerhaeuser's Pine Hilloperation has capacity to produce 870,000 tons per year of containerboard.