JAY (WGME) – Workers at the paper mill in Jay experienced their third round of layoffs since a chemical explosion at the plant in April.
More layoffs at Jay paper mill after explosion
This week, Pixelle Specialty Solutions, the owner of the paper mill in Jay, let go of 67 people, bringing the total number of employees let go to 177 since July.
People who live in the surrounding Jay community say they are upset to hear about another round of layoffs.
Exploded paper mill financial staple of Jay
“They don’t need to be laid off at this time, it’s devastating enough to try and find new jobs, or be re-trained,” Canton resident Sharon Kennedy said.
“I retired from Nine Dragon in Rumford, and I know that anytime we had a layoff, it was rough on everybody,” Canton resident Donna Hebert said.
A statement from Pixelle says the layoffs are due to the costs and hardships caused by April’s explosion.
Investigations continue following blast at Maine paper mill
Town leaders say they feel bad for everyone let go.
“The employees that are affected come to mind,” Jay Town Manager Shilloh Lafreniere said. “What they will do, and what effect it has on them and their families.”
They also say the layoffs could impact the town, especially if the mill eventually closes.
Pixelle representatives say they have no plans to close, adding they are looking forward to 2021.
People around Jay say they hope for everyone’s sake, they’re right.
Leaders at the paper mill say they’re still working to determine what caused the rupture this year, and say they haven’t had any problems since July.
Article source: https://wgme.com/news/local/jay-mill-sees-third-round-of-layoffs-since-explosion