Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Says They're No Closer to Finding a Solution Regarding the Verso Paper Mill

Monday, December 12th, 2022 -- 9:01 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) The Verso paper mill in Wisconsin Rapids, which was acquired by Scandinavian papermaker Billrud earlier this year, has been closed for more than two years now, and, according to Mike Leischner of WSAU, Mayor Shane Blaser says they are still no closer to finding a solution to re open the facility than we were when the closure was first announced.

"Mill Ride still owns the mill and the mill property and the conversations I've had with them, they're open to possibilities. "He says the current owners are taking care of the property, but another winter with no movement doesn't bode well for the facility.

"They're sealing up vents and making sure to try and make it winter tight. But,the longer the machine sits, any mechanical person knows, that's probably not the healthiest thing for the mill."

He says as for what's next on the property, the city hasn't been involved in any discussions but they are standing by in case the phone rings. "Those are all private board room discussions and we're not part of those unless we want to come with a big pile of money and make ourselves part of that. They are having conversation. That I do know."

Billrud bought the facility as part of a merger with Verso last spring.

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