MENASHA, Wisconsin (From the Appleton Post Crescent) -- A resolution calling on the owners of Graphic Packaging International to do "everything in their power" to offer the Menasha facility for sale in its current condition has been made by an alderman.

The company announced on May 16 that it will close its paper converting plant at 160 Washington St. by the end of the year, laying off 228 employees. The Menasha employees include hourly, salaried, union and nonunion workers.

Alderman James Taylor introduced the resolution.

At the Neenah Labor Temple on Monday, state Rep. Amanda Stuck, D-Appleton, said employees at the Menasha plant have made concessions to keep the company profitable.

"We hope they would repay these employees by at least leaving the building in a state so that it would have a future," she said.

Mark Westphal, a Graphic Packaging employee as well as president of the Fox Valley Area Labor Council, said Graphic Packaging aims to scrap much of the plant's existing equipment in an effort to eliminate the chance of competition from other businesses.

​"There is no reason to doubt that another owner could come in and continue to be profitable at this site," Westphal said.

He said the resolution calls on Graphic Packaging to be "a responsible employer and a good corporate citizen."

Last month, Sue Appleyard, senior manager of corporation commutations in the company's Atlanta office, said the Menasha plant didn't fit into the company's portfolio anymore. She said employees were encouraged to apply for jobs in the company's Wausau plant.

Appleyard said on Monday that the assets within the plant will be sent to the company's other plants wherever it makes sense.

"None of the assets are for sale, externally," she said, adding the company is working with buyers to sell the building.

Graphic Packaging has newer plants in Minnesota, Iowa and on the East Coast.