By Philip Walzer
The Virginian-Pilot
© February 26, 2010
FRANKLIN
International Paper expects to close its paper mill outside Franklin on April 15, a spokesman said this morning.
The majority of workers will continue working at the mill until between April 15 and June 30, said Desmond Stills, a spokesman for the mill. Others will stay beyond June for such duties as securing equipment.
The company announced in October that the mill would close by the end of spring. At the time, 1,100 people worked there and four machines were operating. Now, about 800 are employed at the mill and two machines are still in use, Stills said.
“The two remaining machines will be permanently shut down on April 15, barring something unforeseen,” he said.
Stills said the April 15 date was chosen “in order to make the process expedient. We didn’t want to drag it out forever.”
{ 0 comments }
