Park Falls mill equipment sold in auction
Prospects of reopening grow dim
MADISON, Wis. – An auction of the paper making equipment from the Park Falls paper mill in mid-November dimmed the prospects of the mill reopening to manufacture paper. The auction by Maynard Industries, a global auction and liquidation company, occurred on November 16, 17 and 18.
Equipment offered for sale included three paper machines, one wet lap machine, a deinking pulp system, a pulp mill and a water treatment plant. The equipment was sold “as is/where is” and payment was required within 24 hours from winning bidders by cash, cashier’s check and wire transfer.
One week prior to the auction, the Wisconsin Assembly had approved a bill intended to facilitate a loan guarantee of up to $25 million if a prospective buyer appeared with the credentials to buy and operate the mill.
Maynard had purchased the mill out of Price County Court receivership during the summer.
WJJQ Radio in Tomahawk reported that Park Falls Mayor Michael Bablick is working with Maynard on the schedule of removal of the equipment from the mill buildings, which he said “could take years.” He also is working to secure historical items from the 100-year-old business.
