To the Editor:

The announcement of International Paper’s investment for a new fluff pulp operation brings new hope for that facility and new hope for our workforce.

It would not have happened if it were not for a dedicated team of local IP staff on site and contractors that helped to preserve “The Mill” operations. Not only did they accomplish the plant’s preservation, but they also worked diligently to convince IP senior management that a repurposing project could work.

Special thanks goes to Ted Lewellyn, site manager; Sheryl Raulston, environmental manager; and Tom Jones, capital projects, as the lead team to ensure the plant was ready to go and all environmental permits remained in place.

There are many others who assisted as well, local companies such as HighGround Services and all the other local IP team that kept daily maintenance in place. I thank you for your dedicated effort. Job well done!

John J. Smolak
President
Franklin Southampton Economic Development