A Port Edwards paper mill will close next year. Nearly 500 employees will close their jobs when Canadian-based Domtar closes the mill's doors.
Spokesman Craig Timm says the decision is not a reflection on the employees at the facility. Instead, he says it's the result of a declining market. The company will gradually shift production to other more efficient facilities and is closing the mill as a cost-saving measure.
The mill has a 100 year history in Port Edwards.
Timm says the company is still working out whether to offer employees a severance package, job training skills or help looking for another job. He says the discussion will take place in as timely a manner as possible.
Timm says the mill will close sometime in the second quarter, although a specific date has not yet been determined.
Domtar also says it will reduce production at its Dreyden, Ontario paper mill and permanently lay off 125 employees.
AUDIO: Matt Lehman reports (MP3 :37)
