WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) -- Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Zach Vruwink says he's thrilled that ND Paper has announced plans to make some $175 million in improvements to their recently purchased facility in the bordering Village of Biron.
While the project doesn't fall within his jurisdiction, Vruwink says there is still a connection between Wisconsin Rapids and the facility, which was sold to Hong Kong-based Nine Dragons Paper last spring. "The mill in Wisconsin Rapids does provide services to the Biron operation, so there is a directo connection and relationship."
He explains that the facilities used to share the same ownership group along with a facility in Stevens Point until federal regulators forced the sale of the mills to different companies. Verso Corporation currently runs the mill in Wisconsin Rapids.
The proposed expansion will come with the addition of nearly 30 jobs to the facility, which Vruwink says is good news for everyone in the area. "They employ over 300 people, and many of them live in Wisconsin Rapids or the surrounding communities."
He anticipates the construction activity that goes with the project will also prove to be positive for other area municipalities.
Expansion in the paper industry has been hard to come by over the last decade as electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets have decreased the need for paper products along with the growth of paperless or online billing. "The industry has been very challenged and faced a lot of headwinds. So we are very excited about the investment ND Paper is making in that facility."
Other topics Vurwink discussed with WSAU's Mike Leischner this week include:
Start of video: preparations for winter and memories of trick-or-treating in the snow for both Zach and Mike.
1:00- Opening of the city's compost site and fall leaf pickup
2:30- Status of the final proposal for the 2019 city budget
7:40- Thoughts on the expansion of the Biron paper mill
11:10- Search for executives for the Wisconsin Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau
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