U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins today expressed concern for the 36 mill employees who will be temporarily unemployed when the Irving Forest Products Inc. in Strong closes Friday. Snowe and Collins pledged their support to work with Mill and town officials, along with the U.S. Department of Labor to ensure that the petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance is approved.
“This is unfortunate news for the Strong community and the entire state of Maine,” said Senators Snowe and Collins in a joint statement. “We pledge our unbridled support for the workers and families who are affected by the Irving Mill closure and will work with the Department of Labor to ensure that these hard-working Mainers get the assistance they need to get through these tough times.”
The plant plans to close until fall in hopes that the housing market and demand for hardwood products will increase. Plants in Ashland and Dixfield hope to absorb some of the laid-off workers.
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