Pou Statement on Marcal Fire

Trenton – Senator Nellie Pou issued the following statement on the fire in the Elmwood Park’s  Marcal Paper Plant:

I am deeply saddened by the loss of the historic Marcal Paper Plant. As the only paper plant of its kind in the region, Marcal was not only the economic life-blood of the surrounding communities, it was an icon for North Jersey.

Just ten years ago, I fought to save Marcal from having to lay off half their workforce with legislation we passed in Trenton. Since then, I have visited and toured the historic facility countless times. The impact of this fire cannot be overstated— this is a tragic loss for the entire community and all of New Jersey.

I am grateful there were no lives lost, but my heart goes out to the owners who have lost a business, the workers who have lost their jobs and the firefighters who battled the blaze through the night in below zero degree wind chill.

Now, it is up to us, as a community, to work together. Together, we must do what we can to both support those who are out of work and rebuild that which was lost. We need to make sure that a future North Jersey is one where a signature red sign, Marcal, glows bright for everyone to see.