Maine mill considers shift to biomass

[jpak]

http://news.mainetoday.com/updates/028925.html

MILLINOCKET _ Katahdin Paper Co. officials are figuring out how much time and money it would take to install a biomass boiler to provide fuel for its paper mill in an effort to lessen its reliance on oil and keep the facility open.

The company announced in late May that it was closing its Millinocket mill because of record oil prices, putting about 208 people out of work.

Company officials said installing a biomass boiler could take less time and cost less money than originally anticipated.

"We're working very hard to save the mill," said mill manager Serge Sorokin. "We are letting the process go forward and are looking at the (financial aspects) of the plan very closely. We have a great sense of urgency. Our options will become much clearer in the next few weeks."

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[Hestia]

1. This is the difference between a company and a corporation -

a company cares about the local economy. I do hope they make it.

[seriousstan]

2. Let's be vigilant as to who hamstring them in their endeavorer.This is a community trying

to survive. This is a great try. A paper mill has the biomass. I guess the cost has reached the break even point.

[madokie]

3. One of our local paper plants closed week before last

been making paper for drywall since I believe 1944. I hate to see it go as it was a source of some good paying jobs for this area. After all they were a Union shop and where there is unions there usually is fair wages. I fear for the layed off workers loosing their 401s and retirement as the plant was just recently purchased by kock.