Celotex Plans to Phase Out Mill

BPB Celotex announced plans to phase out its Quincy, Ill., mill out over the next several months. The mill, which has been in operation for more than 140 years, provides face and back paper for the production of gypsum wallboard.

 “Our intention is to find a buyer for the plant, so it can continue,” says Gary Esch, vice president, Gypsum Manufacturing. “The company reviewed a number of options including a feasibility study on modernizing and reinvesting in the mill and concluded that its paper needs could better be satisfied by other sources. If a buyer cannot be found by June 28, 2002, the plant will cease operations.”

BPB acquired the gypsum wallboard and ceilings businesses of Celotex in July 2000 and recently announced an agreement to acquire the gypsum operations of James Hardie Gypsum.