RUMFORD – A new page in the history of the local paper mill was announced Thursday.
As soon as the deal to sell MeadWestvaco’s five paper division mills is closed sometime in late April, the mills will be named NewPage Corp.
“This will remind people of what our focus is,” said Tony Lyons, spokesman for the Rumford mill. “This is a new page, new beginning, new solutions.”
In January, MeadWestvaco agreed to sell the five mills to Cerberus Capital Management LP, a private New York-based investment firm, for $2.3 billion.
According to a press release Thursday, the “new” refers to launching a new company, and “page” represents the primary focus of the company: paper production.
More than 2,000 employees working in the five mills submitted suggested names. The new name was chosen from a combination of several suggestions, said Lyons.
In a second press release, Greg Gruning, vice president of Coated Marketing, said that a short list of 20 to 25 names was developed from all submissions. Those possibilities were researched for trademark legalities.
Rumford Town Manager Steve Eldridge likes the new name.
“It’s apropos. It’s an all-paper company that makes just paper and nothing else. A new page has been turned,” he said.
He said he’s looking forward to working with the mill.
“We’ve heard real positive things coming from the mill,” he said, adding that he wants to learn what the mill’s new goals are for Rumford.
Gary Hemingway, president of PACE Local 900, said the name sounds odd.
“It’s just different. It’ll take a while to get used to,” he said.
Lyons said the signs around the mill will be changed as soon as possible after the deal is closed.
The other mills that will get the new name are in Ohio, Michigan, Maryland and Kentucky.
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