From Staff Reports

CANTON — The former Pactiv Evergreen paper mill in Canton has been sold after delays caused by Tropical Storm Helene, Asheville television station WLOS (News 13) reported on Jan. 10

Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers confirmed the sale on Jan. 10. He noted that the now-defunct paper mill had been sold to Spirtas Worldwide, a demolition and redevelopment company based in St Louis, Mo.

In a press release, Spirtas owner Eric Spirtas  stated the following:

“Our vision is to breathe new life into this dormant site, transforming it into a hub of industrial, commercial and residential activity that will benefit the town of Canton and strengthen commerce in the area.

“We are committed to collaborating with local, regional and national experts to develop a master plan that reflects the best ideas and concepts for sustainable growth.”

“The closing date for the sale was initially set for Oct. 1; however, due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in the Western North Carolina region, the sale was delayed,” News 13 noted.

The sale also involved a lawsuit, which, Smathers told the TV station, had “many moving parts” and that he would be “watching closely.”

In an earlier report to News 13, Smathers said he was aware of the mill’s legal action against Spirtas and confirmed he knew of the lawsuit filed by the mill, Pactiv Evergreen, against the demolition company.

Spirtas’ owner formed the Two Banks Corporation to buy the mill — and he later stated, “Two Banks indicated to proceed with closing. It needed an almost 50 percent reduction in the purchase price,” regarding the lawsuit.

News 13 reported that “this statement related to the company’s disagreement with the Town of Canton over a wastewater treatment services contract.”