WESTBROOK, Maine (AP) - A Maine paper producer announced Thursday it will shut down one of its paper machines and lay off 75 employees.
Sappi North America CEO Mike Haws wrote a letter to employees that the decision was influenced by increased competition in the market and costly mill infrastructure, the Portland Press Herald reported.
The restructuring “is necessary to ensure the Westbrook Mill is a sustainable contributor that can compete effectively in the global marketplace,” Haws wrote. “We believe that these difficult steps will set up the Westbrook Mill for future success.”
Paper machine No. 9 and major components of the energy complex will be shut down at the Westbrook mill. Mills in Cloquet, Minnesota, and Skowhegan, Maine, will pickup the base paper production.
Spokesperson Colleen Martin said that layoffs will be coordinated with labor unions. The company expects to complete the shutdown by the end of 2020.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.