MENASHA, Wisconsin (From the Appleton Post Crescent) -- The paper machines were turned off early Thursday morning at the Whiting Paper Co. after a final run, ending the mill's 134-year history.

It was one of Wisconsin's smallest and oldest paper mills, known as the George A. Whiting Paper Co. for most of its history dating back to 1882.

"In the end, we just couldn't build the volume of business to be where we needed it to be to be successful," said owner Tom Danz.

He purchased the small paper mill two years ago from fifth-generation owners George A. Whiting III and his sister Tina Whiting. Danz had been the company's president and chief operating officer since 1999 and its chief executive officer since 2011.

His goal in purchasing the company was to keep it operating as a craftsman-type mill, much like a craft brewer, producing specialty papers in vibrant custom colors in short runs.

The mill produced matte board, scrapbooking and high-end art paper, and had success with its signature Kona Paper made from burlap coffee bean bags.

"We made a high-quality product, but we just couldn't achieve the sales we needed," he said.

Danz said many of his 28 employees have already found other jobs. A skeleton staff will remain in the building for about another month to wrap up loose ends and finish paper converting.

"It's really sad," said Menasha Mayor Don Merkes. "Generations of people worked at the mill and generations of families were supported by the mill. It was one of very few family owned and operated mills up until a few years ago."

The mill is located on a strip of land between the canal and Fox River near the base of the Fox Cities Trestle Trail in Menasha.

Danz said he was unsure what he and his minority partner will ultimately do with the building.

"For now, we're getting the operation wound down and taking care of customers. We'll be selling off equipment. We are talking with other paper companies about taking over the Kona product," he said. "We have some priorities in closing, including to make sure our customers can transition to someone else. Some of these customers have been with us for generations."

The mill's workers were represented by United Steelworkers. Union representatives could not be reached for comment on Thursday.