(AP) -- MUSKEGON, Mich. (AP) - A 109-year tradition of making paper in the city of Muskegon has ended. Sappi Fine Paper North America announced Wednesday the permanent closing of its Muskegon mill, leaving 190 employees out of work.
The company is a Boston-based division of Sappi Ltd. of Johannesburg, South Africa. Sappi suspended operations at the west Michigan plant in April, blaming the global economic downturn and slumping demand for its coated fine paper used in books and magazines.
Officials say market conditions haven't improved enough to reopen the mill.
Mayor Steve Warmington tells The Muskegon Chronicle that city officials will meet Thursday with Sappi management to discuss the future of the huge mill, which the company says it plans to sell.
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