PARK FALLS, Wisconsin (From news reports) -- The paper mill in Park Falls is opening their doors after being closed for over a year.
"The paper mill in Park Falls has recently resumed production in producing pulp," said Michael Bablick, mayor of Park Falls. "Which has brought back roughly 50 employees."
In May of last year, Flambeau River Papers filed for chapter 126 receivership, which is similar to filing for bankruptcy.
Park Falls Development LLC later bought the mill in November of 2019. Bablick said a critical period to the reopening was in May of 2020.
"They approached the city with short term financing and I think we did all our due diligence and the city loaned them a million dollars," said Bablick.
Another million dollars was matched by the new ownership to help the mill get back on its feet.
Right now, they are only focusing on pulp.
"After the pulp is established and that goes smoothly they hope to open at least one paper machine hopefully this fall, maybe more than that," said Bablick.
And hopefully with all the changes, the paper mill will be able to stay open.
"There is a lot of work that needs to be done but I'm confident that the new owners are the right ones to reinvest," said Bablick.
