WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Susan Collins today announced that she is committed to assisting Georgia-Pacific workers who are losing their jobs due to the closure of the Old Town mill and to assisting in the search for a new buyer. G-P informed employees today that it will cease current pulp and paper manufacturing and associated tissue shipping operations at its Old Town mill. The four wood chip mills that supply raw material to the facility will also cease operations. G-P has committed to maintain the mill in good working condition for 60 days and to work closely with the State of Maine to secure a suitable buyer.
“Although the closure of the Georgia-Pacific mill is a personal and economic blow to Old Town and the surrounding communities, it is my sincere hope that potential buyers will see the value of the mill’s high quality workforce and a new buyer will be found within the 60 day timeframe,” said Senator Collins. “I am committed to doing all I can to assist those workers and their families who are losing their jobs, through no fault of their own.”
Georgia-Pacific, which is owned by Koch Industries, has run the mill since acquiring it from Fort James Corp., in December 2000. G-P is headquartered in Atlanta and employs approximately 55,000 people.