This Iowa Paper Mill Is About To Close After 100 Years

After being in business for over 100 years, one Iowa paper mill is getting ready to close.

According to KCCI, in the first-quarter earnings report that Graphic Packaging International released this week, the company said that they will close the paper mill in Tama in the second quarter of this year.

Tama Mayor Doug Ray said that earlier this year, Graphic Packaging International bought the mill with the intent to eventually close it. But it appears that the closure came quickly and the city wasn't expecting it, posting this statement on Facebook:

Effective June 2nd, the company will lay off 85 workers, according to a filing with Iowa Workforce Development. The closure is expected to be completed in June, a Graphic Packaging International official told KCCI.

The city is also concerned with the fate of Cherry Lake once the mill closes. KCCI reports that city officials are worried that the lake will dry up because the mill plays a role in keeping the lake's water high. Mayor Ray says that a well feeds the paper mill and some of the mill's water goes into the lake. It's a concern that it will no longer be somewhere pretty to look at, a nice trail to walk, or even possible to fish.

The paper mill has a unique distinction in Iowa. The paper mill has a long history in Tama, being in operation in the town for over 100 years. According to Tama County Economic Development, the mill is Iowa's oldest recycle paper mill.