West Linn Paper Company To Close After 128 Years

WEST LINN, OR — After 128 years of business in Clackamas County, the West Linn Paper Company on Monday announced it will soon cease operations — leaving the futures of its employees in question.

In a statement released Oct. 16, the company's chief operating officer, Brian Konen, said a "significant reduction in available pulp" has made continued operations impossible, and that the company will finalize current orders, ship what products have already been produced, and continue to take orders for stock product — but not take on any new manufacturing orders going forward. Manufacturing orders that have been taken but not produced will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, the announcement said.

The timeline for shuttering the company, as well as the number of employees expected to lose their jobs, is unknown. The West Linn Tidings, a Pamplin publication, reported Monday that the company employed 250 people in 2016.

"We are deeply disappointed to end the mill's 128 year history, the last twenty of which resulted from a major restructuring and restart when our current ownership took control of West Linn Paper Company," Konen said in the closure announcement. "The commitment and support that we received from our employees, our lenders and our owners as we sought to adapt to structural changes in our markets has been remarkable. However, several unforeseeable events have led to a significant reduction in available pulp, making continued operations impossible. As a result we will wind up our operations as quickly and efficiently as possible, beginning immediately."

On Tuesday, Environmental Manager Penny Machinski told Patch the company is focusing on its employees this week but would likely be able to provide more information on the company's closure next week.

The City of West Linn on Tuesday released a statement acknowledging the company's history and how its loss will impact the community.

"The West Linn Paper Company has been a mainstay in the City and I am deeply saddened the company is closing," West Linn Mayor Russ Axelrod said in the statement. "My sympathies are with the employees of the company and their families. The city will work with the West Linn Paper Company to lessen any hardships in any way possible."

The statement also referenced how the closure will affect the city's Waterfront Project, which is still in the early planning stages, but will ultimately see more than two miles of West Linn property developed along the Willamette River.

This post will updated when more information is available.

Image via the West Linn Paper Company press release