The closure set for the first quarter of 2023 will affect about 230 workers at the plant

By Senate Republican Office

STATE HOUSE – In a press release issued by Pixelle Specialty Papers, the Pennsylvania-based owner of the mill in Jay, Maine, announced that the mill will close in the first quarter of 2023. According to the company, the mill employs approximately 230 people who will be affected by the closure.

“We’re saddened to hear about the proposed closing of the mill in Jay. It’s has been a vital part of our wood products economy and has been operating in Maine for over half a century,” said Sen. Russell Black, R-Franklin. “While it’s heartening to hear that Pixelle will offer the mill’s employees health care benefits and severance pay when the mill closes in 2023 and the Maine Department of Labor’s Rapid Response Team will be deployed, it doesn’t make up for the loss of the livelihoods of those who have dedicated their careers to the mill.”

“I’m devastated for our communities. The trickle-down consequences of how the closure will affect our loggers and others in the wood products industry will be felt for decades,” said Sen. Lisa Keim, R-Oxford. “Our hearts go out to the families impacted by this, and we stand ready to help them however we can as they transition through the closure.”

“This news is just disheartening. My heart goes out to the employees and their families who will be impacted by the loss of the mill, as well as the towns of Jay, Livermore, Livermore Falls and the surrounding communities in Franklin and Androscoggin counties that will also be affected by this news,” said Senate Republican Leader Jeff Timberlake, R-Androscoggin. “This closure will unfortunately have rippling effects well beyond the Jay mill, including the many suppliers, vendors and others in the forest products industry whose operations are dependent upon the mill. We stand ready to help.”