Major Layoffs At The Boise Mill

The Boise Mill in International Falls has announced its shutting down two of its paper machines and an off-machine coater by October, which will result in the loss of 265 jobs.
The move will reduce the amount of paper that’s made by 115-thousand tonnes per year.
Spokesperson Lori Lyman says several studies were done and they all came to the same conclusion that this is the best option for the mill and the remaining 580 positions.
Lyman says Boise still sees the mill is an integral part of its operations and will be spending 8-million dollars on upgrades to one of the other remaining machines.
Lyman adds that the mill will look a little different to make them more competitive in the future.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of International Fall says the announcement came as a complete surprise.
Bob Anderson says every business will be affected, as will Fort Frances and northern Minnesota.
Anderson is disappointed for the people impacted, but relieved Boise is keeping the mill’s other machine still operating.