Katahdin Paper Co. LLC union and management officials are proud of how they have kept the Millinocket mill operational. Since the mill first reopened in 2003 after the bankruptcy of the former Great Northern Paper Co., the unions and management have:

. Cut pay rates that once helped Millinocket have the highest per-capita income in Maine by at least $2 or $3 an hour.

. Agreed to pay 40 percent of their health benefits and eliminate pensions, saving the company millions.

. Conceded contractual rights to improve efficiency and give management greater flexibility.

. Improved paper chemistry to produce high-quality paper less expensively.

. Revitalized sales by overcoming customer skepticism caused by the bankruptcy.

. Worked with state and private energy and business experts to improve efficiency.

Source: Katahdin Paper Co. LLC and its unions.