JAY, Maine (From news reports) -- Pixelle Specialty Solutions says it will keep its paper mill in Jay open a little longer than initially announced.

Jay Town Manager Shiloh LaFreniere confirmed on Friday that the company sent the town and county a letter saying it intends to keep one machine up and running through the end of April 2023.

In September, the company said it would close the mill completely at the beginning of 2023.

Around 230 people are employed at the mill and will be affected by its closure. The mill makes up about 22% of the town of Jay's tax base, according to LaFreniere.

The facility has been a cornerstone of the Jay and Franklin County economies since it was opened in the 1960s.

SAPPI recently announced it will be making a significant investment in its Skowhegan mill and will expand production there.