Finch Paper Closing New York Pulp Mill 

In business for decades, Finch Paper is closing its Glens Falls, NY pulp mill that provided a key market for loggers and landowners in utilizing lower grade timber.

Adding insult to injury, the mill is closing largely because Finch Paper can operate cheaper using third-party pulp from other sources. The American Loggers Council has been all over the imported pulp issue as having a negative impact on loggers and landowners.

According to a statement from the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast (PLC), “This is a significant loss for the region’s logging and trucking industry with far reaching economic consequences as well as serious negative impacts on the ability to properly manage forest health.” PLC Executive Director Dana Doran stated he believes the replacement pulp would come from Canada.

The move leaves the former International Paper plant at Ticonderoga, now operated by Sylvamo Corp., as the only pulpwood market in the state.

Finch Paper officials say the move is necessary to remain competitive. The plant will continue to operate a small cogen facility that produces heat for the paper-making operation.