Author Topic: "Rough" wood out, "Good" wood in, net loss 315 jobs in W MI (Read 1694 times)

johncinquo · « **on:** August 10, 2005, 04:05:54 PM »

Was looking through the business news around W MI. The paper mill will be shutting down a big part of its operation. Jobs lost, 365. Seems they can do it cheaper somewhere else. That number doesnt count all the loggers, haulers, and other lines that rely on the plant. That plant employs 60% of the work force in that community.... looks like there will be some commuting going on. Then some good news, a pallet making plant is moving in. Jobs gained, about 50. But the pallets are made out of plastic! Supposed to be more durable, better for the envirorment, and they dont have to be fumigated when going international.

Page 2. A veneer manufacturer is expanding operations to produce more. No job added or lost, but more production. Maybe some of the loggers can get some work, but veneer logs are gonna be harder to come by than pulp logs. Or maybe some of them can become truck drivers who take all that pulp to wherever it is they will process them, saving all that money. No wonder fuel is so expensive.... Then again, paper is so over rated. I am just gonna get all my news from FF now on.

Ron Scott · « **Reply #1 on:** August 10, 2005, 04:52:44 PM »

I assume that the west Michigan pulp mill is Sappi, Inc (SD Warren) in Muskegon. We are already feeling the hurt. Some loggers already getting rid of their pulpwood producing equipment.

A lot of our pulpwood went there. Not good!

OLD_ JD · « **Reply #2 on:** August 10, 2005, 05:05:07 PM »

Ron
I sure no whene u said "not good"

the only 2 mill's we have here close down last winter......we lost 900 job (only from the mill's)..and on a population of about 5,000 people...that sure hurt us good

crtreedude · « **Reply #3 on:** August 10, 2005, 05:33:15 PM »

I am not sure at all how plastic is supposed to be better. $:-\$ Plastic is made from oil, oil isn't renewable. Use wood, it is better for the environment.

Furby · « **Reply #4 on:** August 10, 2005, 05:37:39 PM »

As far as "in use" I LOVE the plastic skids!
They don't hold water or oil like wood, don't hold termites and other such bugs, but are a lot heavier then some skids.
Plastic skids can be recycled many times, where wood usually get ground for mulch and maybe fuel.
Also cuts down on the use of steel (nails).

SwampDonkey · « **Reply #5 on:** August 11, 2005, 06:45:10 AM »

John, we lost 3 mills here in the past year, one will be starting back up in October with multiple owners.

Gary_C · « **Reply #6 on:** August 11, 2005, 08:30:51 PM »

Just got a letter from Sappi Fine Paper in Cloquet, MN with bad news for Muskegon, MI where the pulp mill and one paper machine are closing, but good news for Sappi Cloquet that will supply pulp to what ever is left in Muskegon.

With stumpage prices already high here, I don't know if this is good news or bad. I have already seen Aspen stumpage sell as high as $153 per cord.

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