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Verso to Close Bucksport Mill, Affecting 500 Workers

BUCKSPORT, Maine - Verso Paper says its mill in Bucksport is closing, affecting more than 500 workers.

Company officials say the mill will shut down by the end of the year.

Verso Paper also owns a mill in Jay and the company is attempting to merge with NewPage, which owns a mill in Rumford.

"The Bucksport mill unfortunately has not been profitable for a number of years, in spite of our employees' dedicated efforts to make it so. Our assessment indicates that it is impossible for the mill to achieve profitability in today’s marketplace," says Verso President and CEO Dave Paterson, in a statement posted on the company's website.
 
Paterson says the company will do whatever it can to help workers affected by the closure, and will work closely with union officials and salaried employees regarding severance benefits and other assistance.

Verso Paper also owns a mill in Jay, and the company is attempting to merge with NewPage, which owns a mill in Rumford.

Gov. Paul LePage says the state is sending its "rapid response" team to Bucksport, and issued the following statement:

“I learned about closure of the Bucksport mill late this afternoon. I have spoken to Verso Paper CEO David Patterson and I continue to receive information. I have called an emergency meeting with my economic development team who is committed to working with Verso and other interested parties in order to keep the mill open. We will assess any and all options as we move forward. I have rearranged my schedule to attend to this developing situation and will be in the Bangor region Thursday.

“My thoughts are with the workers and families who are affected by this closure. As an Administration, we stand ready to provide resources to them, including the training and support needed to transition into new job opportunities. The Department of Labor has mobilized a team to assist these workers and will do everything it can to help them during this difficult time. ”