UPM Blandin in Grand Rapids, Minnesota has Temporarily Shutdown Its Paper Mill
UPM Blandin has the capacity to produce 225,000 tons per year of lightweight coated (LWC) magazine papers. The mill is has been temporarily idled due to market conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 27, 2020 - According to local news reports, UPM Blandin has temporarily shutdown its Grand Rapids, Minnesota paper mill due to market conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The shutdown began on or around April 21. Specific details have not been disclosed, but a representative from Teamsters Local 346 told WDIO News (Duluth) the closure is expected to last around two weeks. In a prepared statement, UPM Blandin General Manager Scott Juidici said economic conditions resulting from the coronavirus outbreak forced the temporary idling of the mill. "The global response to the coronavirus pandemic has led to an overall slowdown of the economy. We are taking short-term measures to respond to market conditions. We rely on our global network of modern paper mills to meet customer demand," Juidici said. UPM Blandin has the capacity to produce 225,000 tons per year of lightweight coated (LWC) magazine papers. The mill employs about 240 people. SOURCE: Local news outlets |