The company is also shutting down a paper machine and pulp dryer at their mill in Jay, Maine, with the permanent elimination of about 300 jobs. Three paper machines there will continue to operate, employing 565 people. The company has about 5,300 employees overall.
The Wickliffe mill has only one paper machine, according to the press release.
Verso’s President and CEO David Paterson said the decision to reduce its production capacity is due to almost a 5% decline in demand this year for coated paper in North America. That follows declines in the previous two years, as well. Trade and import issues, along with high operating costs and property taxes in Maine were also cited as factors.
Ballard County Judge-Executive Vickie Viniard said the announcement will impact more than just her constituents.
"It's a major hit for a small county, and it will affect the whole region, really, because there are other employees at our surrounding counties," Viniard said.
In spite of the bad news, she's trying to find a silver lining in the announcement.
Viniard said she's, "hoping that Verso will be able to return to operations, or maybe something else can be placed there."
A spokesperson for Verso said in an email Thursday afternoon, "We’re evaluating strategic options for the mill which, among others, may include re-opening the mill to produce the same or a different type of product or selling the mill to another company that would manufacture a different type of product."
