The Virginian-Pilot
©
FRANKLIN
Tears were shed on that day last October, when International Paper announced that it would close a paper mill that has been a vital part of the region for more than a century.
But since then, the community has rallied, the 1,100 employees are mostly on their way to new beginnings, and local officials are waiting to hear what will happen to the huge mill in Isle of Wight County, just across the Blackwater River from Franklin.
Company officials have said there are about 15 offers to "re-purpose" the mill, said Phillip Bradshaw, chairman of the Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors and a former mill employee himself.
Most of the companies considering the mill for potential re location are "green" industries, Bradshaw said at a community meeting Tuesday night at Paul D. Camp Community College
Franklin Mayor Jim Councill told the audience of about 75 that when the announcement was made last fall, it was understood that IP had no intention of selling or re using the mill, and it was clear that the paper mill would be taken out of the paper industry. IP wasn't going allow competition to mov e in, he said.
The mill will cease operations next week, officially on April 15, but it will continue to employ people at least through May.
"We know that we've done a really good job of hitting this thing head on," Councill said.
Bradshaw praised the state and federal government for their assistance.
Judy Begland, president and CEO of Opportunity Inc., a work-force development board, praised the union that has represented the employees over the years, employment agencies in Virginia and North Carolina, and community colleges in both states.
"We've had offers from volunteers to give haircuts for job interviews," she said. "Churches have called to see what they could do."
IP, Councill said, has "been working diligently" to find new tenants for the mill, which has its own energy plant.
"It's actually a sale," said Bradshaw. "IP is selling to another company, this could go on for 10 or 12 months. We've been very, very aggressive, very opportunistic. Now, it's a matter of time."
"The organization we've put together has turned the tide," Councill said.
Linda McNatt, (757) 222-5561, linda.mcnatt@pilotonline.com
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WHY NOT.....
Why not prepare a place for a professional sports team(s)? Franklin has the space and the proximity to so many other cities, it would be a perfect fit. Sports teams in Franklin would benefit all of the surrounding cities without clogging our already overcrowded "downtown" areas. There are hotels and restaurants already there. The next opportunity that comes along for a professional sports team(s), my vote is for Franklin.
Send the Tax bill to:
badi2ude, How about we add somemore taxes to you so we can pay for the ballpark, stadium, fields, dome or what ever you want to build. We all know that the million dollar players and the multi million dollar owners will expect to not spend their money. They want use ours.
Keep the Plant Operating
Rather than dumping money into things like hotel projects and office centers our Cites should work together to buy this plant and keep it going. It could be converted to making recycled paper products. That investment would pay off in keeping the jobs here which pay local taxes and support local businesses. The products could also serve our community.
Get the message!
Read:
Franklin Mayor Jim Councill told the audience of about 75 that when the announcement was made last fall, it was understood that IP had no intention of selling or re using the mill, and it was clear that the paper mill would be taken out of the paper industry. IP wasn't going allow competition to move in, he said.
Sad
My 2 oldest and best friends are moving to Alabama to keep their jobs. They will be far away from their families. Just sad.
moving
It is very sad when someone has to move to keep their job. I have had to do this several times. Hey, it's an adventure.
An idea whose time has come!
With the closing of the mill in Franklin, families will be uprooted and livelihoods destroyed, unless we decide to take action. There is a simple answer. Let's take back our jobs! Every time you step into a Dollar Tree store, you are sending another job to China. We can use the Ford Plant, the Franklin Mill, to manufacture basic goods for sale at Dollar Tree, which not only has its headquarters here, but thrives in the marketplace with over 3,000 stores. Why should Dollar Tree give away all its business to China when we have plants and educated workers right here in our hometown facing foreclosure and bankruptcy. Macon Brock, Jr., Dollar Tree CEO, has made billions by buying goods exclusively from China for sale in the United States. As a community leader, Macon Brock could bring these jobs back, right here, right now; all it takes is the idea and the will to act on it.
But the junk that costs $1
But the junk that costs $1 made in china (which is probably 80%+ profit) would cost $5 if made in the USA.
But I agree. USA needs more manufacturing. Good job lashing out at the people who's shortsightedness are destroying America.
The problem is foreign slave labor is way cheaper than robots and automation.
Not that easy.
The first few hurdles: EPA regs, OSHA regs, Labor laws, Import tarifs, NAFTA, Benefits, TAXES etc. The list goes on and a major addition when this new bill is in effect will drive more away. Look to those who do not work like you and I for the reason our jobs are leaving. And the funniest part of all is the "UNIONS" told the "WORKERS" to vote for the clowns who past the bill that closed more plants and removed more jobs than anything in history NAFTA! Go figure! Ignorance is bliss!
"Why should Dollar Tree give
"Why should Dollar Tree give away all its business to China when we have plants and educated workers right here in our hometown"
Then it would be called the Fifty Dollar Tree store.
Part of the reason everything is made in China is because everyone wants everything cheap and they are unwilling to live without. The consumer is equally to blame.