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Canton Paper Mill Sold
Canton -- January 13, 2025: The paper mill in Canton, North Carolina, served as the community's center for more than a century. Being
a part of the town's identity, it was more than just a place of employment.
However, many were unsure about the mill's future after Pactiv Evergreen closed it in May 2023, leaving almost 1,000 workers without jobs. There is now a ray of hope. The mill was sold on January 10, 2025, to Spirtas Worldwide, a Missouri-based business that specializes in transforming former industrial buildings into new ones.
For Canton, the mill's shutdown was a catastrophic blow. Since its establishment in 1908, the plant has supported generations of people. The town was emotionally and financially damaged by its closure. However, others clung to the hope that something positive may emerge from the place even as the machines halted and the doors closed.
The 185-acre property was first offered for sale by Spirtas Worldwide in May 2024. Plans to convert the property into a mixed-use complex with a blend of commercial, residential, and industrial areas were revealed by the corporation. But there were a few hiccups in what should have been a simple selling. Due to Hurricane Helene and legal issues between Pactiv Evergreen and Spirtas, the October closing date was postponed to January.
The company's president, Eric Spirtas, gave his vision after the purchase was finalized last week. “We want to honor this site’s rich history while creating opportunities for the future,” he said.
And what does that future hold? The redevelopment's primary goal, according to Spirtas, will be to generate employment and new prospects for the community.
The fate of the wastewater treatment plant on the property, which has long provided services to the municipality, is one major concern. Mayor Smathers is hopeful that Spirtas will cooperate with the town to maintain Pactiv Evergreen's operations, even though the agreement to keep it operating expires in April 2025.
Not everything is finalized, even though the sale is a positive move. The state of North Carolina is suing Pactiv Evergreen. Because the company failed to maintain specific employment levels until 2024, the state is demanding that it repay a $12 million subsidy. The trial in that case is scheduled for May 2025.
Hope is more important to the residents of Canton than business when it comes to the selling of the mill. Following two difficult years, the town is buzzing with cautious hope as it considers the possibility of something fresh and lively emerging from the ashes of the old mill.
What the future holds for the old mill may only become clear with time.
