International Paper mill to close April 15 International Paper mill to close April 15 DEAN HOFFMEYER/TIMES-DISPATCH
International Paper’s plant in Isle of Wight County across the Blackwater River from Franklin has long been a mainstay of the Southside economy. By AP Published: February 26, 2010
FRANKLIN — International Paper’s mill in Isle of Wight County is expected to close in April but some workers will remain on the job for several months.
Mill spokesman Desmond Stills says the plant’s two remaining machines will be shut down April 15. A majority of employees will stay on the job until between April 15 and June 30. Others will continue working past June to secure equipment and perform other duties.
Stills says the mill employs about 800 workers, down from 1,100 in October when International Paper announced that it was closing the facility.
International Paper attributed the mill’s closure to the global recession that has slashed demand for paper and paperboard products. Plants in Louisiana and Oregon also are being closed.
(This has been a breaking news update. Check back for more details as they become available, and read tomorrow’s Richmond Times-Dispatch.)
