KAUKAUNA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Expera Specialty Solutions said Tuesday, its decision to sell its mills will help keep jobs in Northeast Wisconsin.
The company owns four mills in Wisconsin, Thilmany in Kaukauna, Nicolet in De Pere, as well as mills in Mosinee and Rhinelander.
At a news conference, Ahlstorm-Munskjo, announced its expansion into the U.S.
“First, I’m really happy to announce the acquisition of Expera Specialty Solutions,” said Ahlstorm-Munskjo, CEO Marco Levi.
Those plans will be centered right here in Northeast Wisconsin.
The fiber material company based in Finland will now own Kaukauna headquartered, ‘Expera Specialty Solutions’.
“We knew that this process would someday come,” said Expera Spokesperson, Addie Teeters.
“But the fact that we are being sold to such a strong public company, that has a really good presence in specialty paper manufacturing, it’s really great news for us.”
Teeters tells FOX 11 the sale will change the manufacture’s ownership from a private equity firm to a publicly-owned company.
Something she says will allow for growth and job security for it’s nearly 1,800 Wisconsin employees.
“Our markets are growing. So, we’re not seeing the same trends as perhaps, the printing and writing paper are seeing.”
From a community standpoint, the Heart of the Valley Chamber says the sale will be good for local businesses.
“The employee’s down there are the ones that are supporting our local coffee shops, restaurants, our local stores,” explained Exec. Director Kelli Clussman.
“The idea that the jobs are going to stay.”
Kaukauna Mayor, Tony Penterman also saying in a statement: “This Kaukauna mill has been around for 100 years and has provided for hundreds of families. This sale shows a long-term commitment to the city of Kaukauna.”
As for what’s next? Teeters tells FOX 11 it’s an exciting time for the company.
“So, we will be going through a bunch of integrating planning the next 30 to 60 days.”
The transition is expected to be completed in the next few months.
