JAY – Wisconsin-based Wausau Paper plans to shut down one of two paper machines at its Otis Mill in Maine, eliminating about 150 jobs.

Spokesman Perry Grueber said Monday that the No. 10 paper machine targeted for permanent shutdown in Jay makes paper that’s used in the backing for adhesive labels. He said the company is committed to its other machine, which makes different specialty papers.

Grueber said the date of the shutdown depends on orders but is expected by year’s end. He said it’s expected to eliminate 150 of the 235 jobs at the mill.

Gov. John Baldacci said he is dispatching Rosaire Pelletier, his senior forest products adviser, to the mill today to see if anything can be done to spare the job cuts.

“I am deeply concerned about the workers, their families and the community as they face this difficult news,” Baldacci said.

U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud also expressed sadness about the planned shutdown.

“As a former millworker at the Great Northern Paper Company, I know how devastating this news is for the workers, their families and the community,” said the 2nd District Democrat.