Verso's Bucksport, Maine, paper mill is going to close, putting more than 500 out of work

Verso officials say they're closing the company's Bucksport mill, putting more than 500 people out of work.

Verso company leaders said Wednesday that the Bucksport mill hasn't been profitable for many years, and that its dependence on natural gas factored into the decision.

Officials said the first round of layoffs will begin Dec. 1.

WABI-TV said about 570 workers will be out of work when the mill closes.

The news came a week after Great Northern Paper filed for bankruptcy. GNP was the holding company for shuttered mills in Millinocket and East Millinocket.