IP lays off 91 workers at Androscoggin mill

JAY – Low demand for paper used in catalogs and magazines has prompted International Paper to temporarily lay off 91 of the 148 employees who work on two paper machines at the Androscoggin mill, the company said.

Company spokeswoman Donna Peare said the workers were expected to return March 11, when both machines are scheduled to go back online.

Of the remaining employees who work on the machines, 27 chose to take vacation time and 30 chose to take a week of unpaid leave, Peare said.

The company announced last week that the No. 4 coated paper machine would have to be idled an additional seven days. It originally had been scheduled to be off-line for a week.

The idling of the No. 3 machine had been scheduled in advance.