JAY, Maine – A paper mill disabled by a dramatic explosion caught on video last week has resumed production with two of its three paper machines, officials said Thursday.
The restart of Pixelle Specialty Solutions’ Androscoggin Mill in Jay followed a blast that happened in a large, kettle-like digester in which a slurry of wood chips, water and chemicals is transformed into pulp.
An assessment of what caused the rupture continues. The two paper machines, which restarted Wednesday, are using pulp produced at other Pixelle mills in Ohio and Pennsylvania, and supplemented by purchases from others, the company said.
The Spring Grove, Pennsylvania-based company is assessing options for long-term pulp production at the plant. Tim Hess, Pixelle's