wfrank@altoonamirror.com
First shift workers leave the Appvion paper mill in Roaring Spring on Monday afternoon.
Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
ROARING SPRING One of Blair County’s oldest manufacturing facilities is closing its doors, and nearly 300 jobs will be lost.
Appvion Inc. officials announced Monday they will close the Spring Mill, which has been operating since 1866, this spring.
Altoona Blair County Development Corp. President and CEO Stephen McKnight said he had been in touch with company officials.
“They confirmed they will be ceasing operations in late March or April. In the best economic times, this would be devastating news for the local workforce, their families and our community. In the current global climate, it’s even worse. We are shocked and simply at a loss by this sudden announcement,” McKnight said.