Governor Janet T. Mills (D) With Scott Ogden, Communications Director, at East End Community School on Election Day Where She Thanked Voters for Their Support.

Gpvernor Janet T. Mills, (D) issued the following statement in response to an announcement by Sappi that it will invest approximately $418 million to convert its No. 2 Paper Machine in the Somerset Mill in Skowhegan to manufacture packaging and specality papers.

This morning Sappi Chief Executive Officer Steve Binnie said in a press release in part: “I am very pleased with Sappi’s exceptional performance this past year.  Once again, the dedication and resilience of the Sappi team shone through this year… The outstanding performance was particularly noteworthy within the context of a challenging macroeconomic investment.  Significant headwinds included extreme weather, related events lingering COVID pandemic effects in China as well as extraordinary global inflation, which was triggered by geopolitical turmoil and ongoing global supply chain disruptions..”

“I welcome this significant investment by Sappi which will support the lives and livelihoods of people in Skowhegan, the surrounding region and the State of Maine,” said Governor Mills in a press release issued by her office this morning.  “Diversifying the forest products we make right here in Maine will strengthen our forest products sector and susstain the good-paying jobs it creates.  My Admiistration will continue to stand by Sappi and the hardworking men and women who work there as we strengthen Maine’s economy in the years to come.”