SUN JOURNAL • March 9, 2023
An era came to an end Wednesday. From the time construction began on its first paper mill in 1892, turning a tiny village into an economic force, Jay has leaned on the industry for the livelihood of many of its residents. But the only remaining mill in town, shattered by a devastating explosion three years ago, has closed. A spokesperson for owner Pixelle Specialty Solutions said Thursday that paper production has ceased at the plant. The mill, which employed 1,500 people in its heyday, makes up a fifth of Jay’s tax base and employed 230 people as recently as last fall. Officials have been scrambling to figure out what comes next for Jay.