Mill is back in operation
Wausau Paper's Brainerd Mill is producing paper.
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In a start-up mode, paper production has seen anticipated peaks and valleys as machinery that sat idle is put back to work.
The mill, which employs about 135, has met sales orders and is making product for Wausau's other mills. Brian Trask, vice president of operations in Brainerd, said the remarkable effort took the mill from darkness to paper making in six to seven weeks.
Trask said there are still a few management positions to fill. He said the work ethic at the mill has been strong with enthusiastic and energetic employees. Trask said production numbers have been improving daily.
Kyle Borlaug (left) and Dan Roach worked on a giant paper roll. Production appeared to be on a steady pace Friday afternoon. The mill is still in a start-up period and working the bugs out of formerly idle equipment.
On Friday employees were making paper and applying fresh paint to walls as they prepared for Tuesday's recommissioning with Gov. Tim Pawlenty scheduled to attend the ceremony. Wausau Paper's purchase of the former Missota Paper mill was finalized Oct. 21. Missota purchased the mill from Potlatch and went into an extended shutdown in 2003.
Randy Martin (left) and Nic Jennissen moved rolls of paper fresh off the No. 7 paper machine out on to the floor.