Blue Ridge Paper to Close Jersey DairyPak Packaging Operation

Published: February 21, 2003, By PRESS RELEASE

CANTON, NC, USA—A Blue Ridge Paper Products Inc.-owned liquid packaging production facility in New Jersey is slated for closure late this summer. According to the North Carolina-based paper manufacturing and converting company, the closure of its Morristown, NJ, DairyPak liquid packaging converting operation, late summer 2003, will result in the elmination of 115 jobs. "Affected employees will receive previously negotiated severance benefits, which include seniority-based wages, continuation of the company-provided medical benefits, and assitance to the employees in locating altnernate employment," says Blue Ridge.

Adds Phillip Bowen, VP of BRPPI's paperboard division, "We are deeply saddened by the thought of losing the entire workforce of Morristown, and this closure in no way reflects negatively on the quality, work ethic, and abilities of this group of long service, dedicated people. This action is a result of the continuing trend toward customer consolidation and declining demand, [due to] excess manufacturing capacity," he says.

More information about Blue Ridge Paper is available by calling 828/454-0684. And check out When Employees Become Owners..., a PFFC June 2000 feature about Blue Ridge Paper Products Inc.