Hazen Paper Reopens Housatonic Mill

Staff reportsiBerkshires
01:28PM / Friday, October 24, 2008Print Story | Email Story

Rep. William 'Smitty' Pignatelli, D-Lenox, speaks at ribbon-cutting ceremony. With him are Gov. Deval Patrick, left, and Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield.

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Gov. Deval Patrick joined local officials to mark the reopening of the former Rising Paper mill in Housatonic on Thursday.

The century-old building and its 15 acres on Route 183 was purchased by Hazen Paper Co. of Holyoke last month for $785,000.

The 83-year-old, family-owned business has been expanding in sales and work force, with four locations and 200 employees. The shuttered Rising Paper mill is the latest acquisition for the growing company. Hazen plans to produce multi-ply laminated sheets used in packaging and other applications at the mill.

The reopening was good news to South County, which has seen a number of paper producers close over the last few years. Rising Paper was one of group of mills sold by Fox River Paper Co. in spring 2007 to Neenah Paper Co. of Georgia, which promptly closed the facility and put more than 100 out of work.

While Hazen's short-term employment forecast is modest — less than a dozen workers — the facility allows for future growth.

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

Save & Earn with Greylock

3.30% APY 6-month certificate. Click to learn more! Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Your Comments

iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.

the company spends $750,000 for this mill and then they layoff 28 people at there main plant, including pay cuts for senior operators. this is completely unfair. John Hazen is running this company into the ground.
from:	on: 02-05-2009 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (3)

very disappointing hazen should be ashamed
from:	on: 02-09-2009 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (3)

This is a sincere disappointment! I am happy for the dozen or so employees that have gainful employment, but this is far too little. I remember this facility very well. I was involved with a number of environmental engineering up-grades to meet the requirements of the State of MA and Housatonic River. I loved this mill, and while under the Fox River banner, they made fantastic products. The people of the mill were always very helpful and more than willing to assist in making the mill more eco friendly and commercially competitive. I am disappointed that the recent changes have transpired. Had I known that the mill was for sale, under these terms, I would have given my last dime to insure the mill would not come to the fate that is sure to come with the current grade structure and management mindset. I apologize for my late response, I have moved to the Southern U.S. to manage the region for a multinational company and lost touch with my routes-please forgive me. Many Management and Hourly personnel would remember quite clearly. When the mill goes up for sale again, (and it will) let me know and my wife and I will do our dandiest to make it happen. This is a truly historic paper manufacturing facility (that's in the school books) that should be restored to its former glory! It can be profitable in todayâ€™s market, at full capacity, as it used to be. This is possible in todayâ€™s economic climate, I know! B.M.P A Career Paper Maker and Engineer
from: Brian P.	on: 05-31-2009 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Lanesborough Seeks State Support for Berkshire Mall Redevelopment

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires.com
05:58PM / Monday, October 12, 2026

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The town plans to petition the state to take ownership of the Route 7/Route 8 Connector Road, which officials believe is a "critical component" of the Berkshire Mall’s redevelopment strategy.

On Tuesday, the Select Board approved a letter to state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. John Barrett III to request their support for the vacant mall's redevelopment by helping advance transfer of the Route 7/Route 8 connector and considering funding for essential infrastructure.

"We have held discussions with the Baker Hill Road District … which will take the necessary steps to formally petition the commonwealth to take over ownership of the Route 7, Route 8 connector…Your continued support in facilitating this transfer is greatly appreciated," the letter says.

Berkshire Mall owner JMJ RE Holdings has said the potential sale and redevelopment of the mall hinges on dissolving the Baker Hill Road District, a condition of the agreement that, if unmet, would render the contract null and void.

As a result, the mall will continue to deteriorate and the litigation will proceed forward, said Tim Grogan, of JMJ.

Vera Farrell, the liaison to the Baker Hill Road District, said the district board had discussed at one of its most recent meetings that the connector road could be transferred directly to the state, rather than returned to the town; Barrett and Mark were also a part of the discussion.

"The representatives recommended that as an option, that it could transfer the connector road directly to the state, as opposed to deeding it back to the town to dispense it. If we get to that point, that would be a better option to do it that way," Farrell said.

View Full Story