Fraser Papers among N.H. mills’ suitors

BERLIN, N.H. – The two paper companies vying for a chance to buy the idle mills in Berlin and Gorham are getting high marks from officials in other states where the companies have holdings.

Economic development officials in Maine, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania say New Hampshire would do well if either one of the two companies makes a winning bid for Pulp and Paper of America. They say both companies have good reputations.

Fraser Papers Inc. of Stamford, Conn., and Cascades Inc. of Kingsey Falls, Quebec, both have asked the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Del., for permission to maintain the idle mill complex for the winter while negotiating a purchase agreement.

A hearing on the requests is set for today.

The North Country mills have been idle since laying off 860 workers in August. In September, Pulp and Paper of America and its parent company, American Tissue Inc. of Hauppauge, N.Y., filed for bankruptcy.

Craig Carlson, executive director of Eau Claire Area Economic Development in Wisconsin, said Cascades has had a positive presence in the four months it has owned a mill there.

“We’re just tickled to death to have them here,” Carlson said. “If you can get Cascades to show an interest [in New Hampshire], you’re lucky. They’ve done everything they said they would do. Most of the previous management staff is still there.”

Cascades has another newly acquired tissue mill in Ransom, Pa.

Austin Burke, president of the Greater Scranton (Pa.) Chamber of Commerce, said the mill employs about 200 workers in Lackawanna County, which has a population of 220,000.

In Maine, Fraser plays a vital role in the town of Madawaska and surrounding area. Its mill employs 1,037 workers in the town of about 5,000.

Judy Paradis, a former state senator and local representative, said Fraser has been a good corporate citizen.

Paradis said Fraser has made a long-term commitment to the community.

“Of all the paper companies out there, I can’t think of a more stable one,” she said. “They work very hard, too. They have a very loyal core of workers; not only are they good citizens, they’re good employers, too.”

Fraser Papers’ parent company is Nexfor Inc., one of Canada’s largest diversified natural resource companies.