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The mill was founded in 1894 by Frank D. Naber, Joseph J. Wirtz, William C. Zachow, and Kleber M. Phillips as the Wolf River Paper and Fiber Company. The manufacture of groundwood pulp began in October 1894, followed by sulfite pulp in December 1899. The first paper machine was started up in 1902. In 1908, fire damaged the mill, and it was rebuilt. The second paper machine was added in 1912. Sulfite pulp manufacturing was discontinued in 1945, and the two paper machines continued to operate, utilizing purchased fiber. In 1949, the mill was renamed Shawano Paper Mills. In 1950, Charles Egan leased the Shawano Paper Mill with an option to purchase. The mill was operated as a division of Little Rapids Pulp Company of De Pere, WI. In 1955, Little Rapids assumed ownership of the mill. In 1981, a third paper machine was started up, expanding the production capacity and product mix to cover specialty tissue needs of a wide variety of customers. Continued expansion and updating of equipment and support facilities have contributed to making the mill a leading supplier of specialty tissue products throughout the United States. On July 1, 1993, the mill was renamed Little Rapids Corporation-Shawano Mill. It is one of the area’s largest industries, employing approximately 230 people whose skills and dedication to excellence produce the highest quality specialty tissue products which are engineered to fit each customer’s needs. In 1994, construction was completed on a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility. Much of the paper made in the Shawano Mill is converted into products for the healthcare industry at Little Rapids Corporation’s plant in Green Bay. These products include surgical glove wrap, exam gowns and drapes, and exam rolls. Paper made in Shawano is also converted into coffee filters, fast food wrappers, floral wrap, diaper carrier tissue, masking tape, napkins, Band Aids, cable wrap, crepe paper, poultry pads, and many other products. In April 2002, Little Rapids Corporation renamed the entire division, including the Mill, Shawano Specialty Papers. |
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County Hwy MM on the West Bank of the Wolf River |
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