675 Workers Will Lose Their Jobs When Paper Mill Closes

Production will end at the end of May l

LUKE, Md. (AP) — Production at Maryland paper mill will end one month sooner than previously planned, but officials say employees will continue to be paid through June 30.

Production at the Luke Paper Mill that employs 675 people will end May 31.

The president of United Paper Workers 676 said managers reported during a meeting Friday that the mill owned by Verso Corp. was building up too much inventory.

Company spokeswoman Kathi Rowzi says some employees will continue working past May 31 to help shut down the plant.

Jim Strong of the United Steel Workers says the union is looking for a buyer, although he doesn’t know if Verso would sell. He says the USW “is committed to turning over every stone to try to save these jobs.”