Two injured after paper machine at Ahlstrom Rhinelander mill experiences equipment failure
Friday, May 2, 2025 1:00 pm
WISCONSIN (From news reports) -- Two Rhinelander paper mill employees suffered minor injuries Wednesday evening, April 30, after a paper machine experienced an equipment failure, the mill's parent company, Ahlstrom, has confirmed. According to a statement released by a company spokesperson, one of the two injured employees sought medical treatment and was then released to return to work. In the statement, the company described the incident as an equipment failure on the R6 paper machine. "The safety and well-being of our employees is our top priority," the statement reads. "Ahlstrom is taking steps to mitigate potential discharge of oil into the Wisconsin River. We are investigating this matter and will provide updates as more information becomes available." According to Chief Brian Tonnancour, Rhinelander firefighters were called to the mill at approximately 8:30 p.m. Thursday "for a fire risk to electrical equipment due to a steam rupture." Firefighters were on scene for approximately one hour, Tonnancour added, noting that his crew did not transport or treat anyone for injuries. Local media has reached out to the DNR for more information regarding "the potential discharge of oil into the Wisconsin River. "
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