A MEETING has been held over the future of a paper mill which was placed into administration, putting almost 500 jobs at risk.

Arjowiggins Fine Papers at the Stoneywood Mill in Aberdeen is one of several UK businesses facing the measure from French parent company Sequana.

The Aberdeen mill has operated since 1770 – currently with a turnover of £120 million – and 489 staff there face the threat of redundancy along with 29 colleagues based in Basingstoke, Hampshire.

Stakeholders were joined by representatives from Arjowiggins, the Scottish Government, administrators

and Unite the union in the meeting to discuss possible

next steps after last week’s announcement.

Managing director of the mill, Jonathan Mitchell, said: “We appreciate the support from everyone involved in today’s meeting.

“Stoneywood Mill has a strong, dedicated workforce and great relationship with the local community so it was heartening to hear everyone involved in today agreeing positive steps forward.

“We will continue to work closely with government, the administrators, unions and other stakeholders to find a positive outcome for the business.”

A number of SNP representatives in the north-east had contacted Jamie Hepburn, the Scottish Government Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, about the mill when the administration was announced.

After Wednesday’s “positive meeting”, Hepburn said: “Everyone wants what is best for the workforce and company so our focus is on supporting the business and the administrators in doing all we can to safeguard jobs at the mill.

“In particular, I was struck by the unity and morale of the workforce. It was also clear from the meeting that the unions, workforce and company, as well as other stakeholders, are all keen to work together to find a solution.

“The Scottish Government

and Scottish Enterprise will continue to work closely with

all partners to explore and exhaust all possible options

to try and find the best

possible outcome to secure a sustainable future for the mill and its workforce.”