Franklin paper mill orders downtime

FRANKLIN, Va. - International Papers' Franklin Mill announced Thursday it will take two weeks of lack of order downtime in March and an additional week of downtime on its No. 1 paper machine.

Mill manager, Jeannine Siembida, said the lack of order downtime was called because of a slowdown in orders. "Our company is committed to managing our supply to meet the needs of our customers, including making adjustments for how our order book continues to develop," Siembida said in a news release. She added that the company will assist employees, their families and the community with any questions or concerns during this uncertain time.

Spokesperson Desmond Stills told WAVY.com International Paper employs about 1200 people in the Franklin area. He said, "During this period of downtime they will operate with a minimum crew."

In November, International Paper shut down its No. 3 uncoated freesheet paper machine at the Franklin plant.

On the web: International Paper