FRANKLIN, Va. (AP) -- A chapter in Virginia's manufacturing history closes when International Paper's mill is shuttered in Isle of Wight County.
After more than a century of lumber and paper manufacturing, the Franklin plant is scheduled to close Thursday.
About 1,100 people were employed at the mill in October when the phased closing was announced. Only two machines have been operating at the mill, producing paper and coated paperboard.
International Paper attributed the mill's closure to the global recession that has slashed demand for paper and paperboard products. Plants in Louisiana and Oregon also are being closed.
