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.

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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)

First Responders Pull Truck From Pontoosuc Lake

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:50PM / Monday, November 02, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.—First responders performed a rescue at Pontoosuc Lake on Friday, Oct. 30, after a truck ended up in the water.

The driver, who was not identified, was taken to Berkshire Medical Center following the incident.

Deputy Chief Neil Myers said the Pittsfield Fire Department was dispatched for a water rescue incident at the boat ramp off Hancock Road at 9:30 a.m.

There was one occupant in the truck who had climbed onto the vehicle's roof when they arrived. The white vehicle had floated across the channel near the ramp and landed on the waterbody's base; one corner of the roof was peeking out of the water when iBerkshires arrived around 10 a.m.

Myers relayed that a witness saw the truck driving into the water; that was the initial report. On the way, first responders received another call reporting the truck had floated across the channel, and the caller was unsure if the person got out.

With this information, PFD dispatched a full assignment: three engines, a ladder truck, and a rescue. Pontoosuc Lake is drawn down right now, with a maximum depth of about 15 feet in that area.

Two firefighters were deployed in cold-water suits to make contact with the driver. They assessed him, provided a life jacket, and put some lines in for safety.

Worried about hypothermia, firefighters planned to keep the man on top of the truck until a boat arrived. Though, Myers said when the boat was launched off the ramp, the man swan dove into the lake and swam to land.

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