September 16, 2021 at 1:26 p.m.
Ahlstrom-Munksjö to temporarily idle specialty paper machine
Ahlstrom-Munksjö to temporarily idle specialty paper machine
While the paper machine being idled is a specialty paper machine, other plants in the state owned by the company can produce the same product, according to a company press release.
"In a very competitive marketplace, we must continue to provide cost-effective and innovative products, challenging our machine capabilities to generate optimum results," said Robyn Buss, executive vice president of Ahlstrom-Munksjö's Food Packaging & Technical Solutions Business Area. "Our robust manufacturing platform is well-positioned for continued success. By utilizing several other machines in our regional system, we will provide our customers with the level of service required to meet their needs."
According to the press release, #8 Paper Machine has a capacity of 14,000 tons per year.
In a phone interview, Addie Teeters, head of marketing communications & public affairs Ahlstrom-Munksjö North America Specialty Solutions, stressed that the number of people that will be affected by this decision won't be known for a while.
"It really does depend on open positions and retirements," she said.
When asked if the number of effected employees would be a "sizable number" of the plant's 500 workers, with sizable defined as a quarter, Teeters said not nearly that many would be affected.
The time frame for how long the machine is idled is also unclear at this point, she added.
Teeters noted that while the process of idling the machine is more complex than just turning it off, when idled the machine could be put back into service rather quickly.
"Specialty paper machines are specialty paper machines" and can't be converted to other uses," she added.
Teeters said the decision to idle the machine was made as the company examines how best to meet customer demands in the most cost effective and efficient ways possible.
The mill has been an important economic mainstay to the Rhinelander community as an employer since it was founded in 1903.
It currently employees 500 people, according to the press release.
Jamie Taylor may be reached via email at [email protected].
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