Georgetown Timber closure permanent

Georgetown Timber, which shut down last November in the hopes of re-opening when industry conditions improved, will remain closed permanently, the owners announced Tuesday.

J. D. Irving spokeswoman Mary Keith said the lumber industry has been facing challenging times. "Especially given what we've seen by way of the downturn in the U.S. housing market, and what has been a significant drop in both prices and demand," said Keith.

"In addition to that, we've seen an increase in the cost, in terms of energy costs and transportation costs. So all of these things have made for a very difficult situation."

Irving representatives met with mill employees Monday night to inform them that the closure was being made permanent. About 36 people worked there on one shift a day, five days a week.

Keith said that since the shutdown a significant number of workers have found other jobs. The employees will be given severance packages based on their years of service.

The property in Georgetownis not for sale and will be maintained. Keith said there may be other opportunities for the property.

Another Irving-owned sawmill in Maine is also closing. Workers there were told the news Tuesday morning.