Furniture mill in Bethel closes; 75 out of work

BETHEL – A mill closing in this western Maine town is putting 75 people out of work.

Employees at Bethel Furniture Stock got word Wednesday that their jobs were being terminated and the furniture parts business was being put up for sale.

The company president, Leon Favreau, said the wood products business has been in a slump and that the decision to curtail operations was needed to stave off possible bankruptcy. The mill specialized in hardwood chair seats and backs. When it began operations in 1985, it was a leading producer of solid wood bendings.