CANTON, N.C. (WLOS) – Toady [May 23], will be the last day that the whistle will blow at the Canton paper mill. In a social media post #milltownforever” Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers says although he knew it was coming, hearing that the final whistle will blow at 12 noon Wednesday [May 24] has left him feeling numb,and he’s not alone. Residents have held their breath since the announcement nearly three months ago that the plant was shutting down but, now that the final whistle is coming, the reality of losing the mill, and jobs with it, is starting to set in. It was announced March 6 that Pactiv Evergreen planned to close the Canton paper mill. The plant, which has been in operation for more than 100 years, employs about 1,100 people and is one of the largest employers in Haywood County.
IN THE MEANTIME…
While it is a sad time, Smathers said the town will not be paralyzed by the closing of the mill, and although the last whistle signifys the end of one chapter, the town will look at this as the beginning of another and build on Cantons’ strengths. Production will end Wednesday and then the next few weeks will be spent cleaning the mill, which will officially shut down on June 9.
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