Friday, July 17, 2015 11:30 am

CLOQUET, Minnesota (From MPR News) -- Sappi Fine Paper North America will temporarily lay off about 250 workers from its mill in Cloquet, Minn., on 21 July 2015, closing its paper-making operations for eight days to reduce inventory.

In a statement, the company said the move will not affect its ability to supply paper to its customers.

Dave Little, president of United Steelworkers Local 1163, which represents workers at the mill, said Sappi's inventory is high because of the strength of the dollar. That makes the U.S. market attractive to global competitors.

The company has about 730 employees. Many are nervous, Little said.

Two years ago the company spent $170 million to convert half of the mill's production from paper to a cellulose product largely used in textiles.

The mill's cellulose operations will not be affected by next week's shutdown.