Canton banks, businesses prepare for buyout infusion

By Julia Merchant • Staff Writer

The town of Canton will experience an infusion of dollars Oct. 12 when Blue Ridge Paper workers get their cash payouts from the company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Blue Ridge workers hopeful after buyout

By Julia Merchant • Staff Writer

In the end, the acquisition of Blue Ridge Paper Products by the New Zealand-based Rank Group for $338 million last week may have been the result of the purchase of a single factory in tiny Pine Bluff, Ark.

Blue Ridge banking on cool cartons

The war on soft drink vending machines in schools has found an unexpected ally in Haywood County.

Blue Ridge Paper Products has joined the ranks of those hoping to ban the drinks blamed for contributing to diabetes, childhood obesity and tooth decay. The company’s motive is a bit unique, however. It hopes to peddle more milk in cartons instead of drinks in plastic bottles and aluminum cans.

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