The formal bid for American Tissue Mills "can be nothing but positive," says one of the key remaining managers at the idled site.
Cellu Tissue Corp. of East Hartford, Conn. made a definitive offer for the mill last week. It is is one of the first forward movements," said Scott LaRue, manager of human resources for the plant.
American Tissue Mills went into bankruptcy Sept. 10, and laid off 292 employees Feb. 22. Workers are members of Local 7-482 of the Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers International Union.) The offer to purchase sets a 20-day window in place during which other suitors can look at the mill and make offers.
"We're glad to finally see a date set," LaRue said. "If no one else had put in a bid, or there are no other issues, Cellu Tissue will get the mill. It is entirely possible that someone could outbid them. We won't know until the last day who the new owner is. Regardless of what happens, everything has to be wrapped up by July 31. Someone will own this place as of August 1."
"Cellu Tissue's offer should bring an end to the bankruptcy and eventually restore stability to the PACE members and their families that were caught up in the middle of this disaster," said Jon Geenen, PACE international representative.
The facility at 249 N. Lake St. in the Town of Menasha has the capacity to make large rolls of tissue paper that can be converted to finished products, such as facial or bath tissue, towels or napkins. The company also has the capability to convert tissue into finished products. In the past, it has made generic private label tissue products.
Cellu Tissue produces sanitary tissues and tissue base stocks used in medical and sanitary products. The (Wisconsin) Post-Crescent