STATEMENT OF SENATOR SUSAN COLLINS ON EASTERN FINE PAPER

"Eastern Fine Paper's decision to shutdown the number two paper machine in Brewer and layoff 125 employees is very sad news, and a blow to the greater Bangor area. My first and deepest concern is for the workers and their families, and I will be working closely with company, state, community, and federal officials to see that they receive all the assistance they need to get through this difficult time."

"Just last Friday Eastern Paper officials asked me to review problems that they were having with a contract awarded them by the Government Printing Office (GPO). On the very same day, I was able to secure a commitment from the GPO that the agency would accept a previously declined shipment of paper from Eastern Paper. Unfortunately, Company officials have indicated that conditions in the pulp and paper market, low demand for their products, and declines in prices have caused them to take this regrettable action. I have offered my assistance to Eastern Paper''s Chairman and CEO, Joe Torras, and in the meantime I will continue to do all that I can to assist the impacted workers."

---- Senator Susan Collins