Pixelle Mill Redevelopment
Drone Deploy Interactive Map
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A Legacy of Papermaking
The Pixelle Androscoggin Mill in Jay, Maine, was once a thriving symbol of Maine's rich papermaking tradition. Originally established by International Paper in 1965, it became one of Maine’s largest mills, supporting the local economy and employing hundreds of skilled workers.
The Explosion that Changed Everything
On April 15, 2020, the mill suffered a catastrophic explosion when a pulp digester unexpectedly ruptured. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the facility sustained severe damage, significantly impacting operations and employment in Jay. Despite attempts to maintain production, the aftermath eventually led to layoffs and uncertainty about the mill’s future.
Closure and New Beginnings
After nearly three years of struggling post-explosion, Pixelle Specialty Solutions ceased operations in March 2023. The closure marked the end of over half a century of continuous paper production. In early 2024, a redevelopment group, JGT2 Redevelopment LLC, acquired the site with ambitious plans to revitalize it.
Transforming the Mill Site
Today, the mill property is undergoing an exciting transformation. Godfrey Forest Products is constructing a 300,000-square-foot facility dedicated to producing oriented strand board (OSB), a versatile engineered wood product widely used in construction. This new operation promises to bring around 125 new jobs to the community, rejuvenating the local economy and offering sustainable uses for Maine’s abundant timber resources.
Beyond wood products, developers are exploring additional projects, including renewable energy initiatives, capitalizing on the site’s existing infrastructure, such as a 150-megawatt power connection.
Mapping the Future with Drone Technology
Integral to this redevelopment effort is advanced drone technology. Using drone-based LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and photogrammetry, accurate topographical and orthomosaic maps have been created. These maps assist planners and engineers in understanding the site's terrain, efficiently planning new developments, and managing the construction process effectively.
LiDAR technology generates precise 3D topographic data, essential for designing infrastructure like roads, foundations, and drainage systems. Photogrammetry provides detailed aerial imagery, supporting decision-making, site layout, and monitoring of ongoing construction activities. The use of drones ensures a faster, safer, and more accurate assessment of the vast mill site, significantly streamlining redevelopment efforts.
From History to New Beginnings
The transformation of Pixelle Mill from a devastated industrial site to a promising hub of innovation represents resilience and adaptive reuse. Combining Maine’s traditional industries with modern technology, the redevelopment symbolizes hope and renewal for Jay and surrounding communities.
The Pixelle Mill story is evolving from devastation to a new beginning—powered by vision, determination, and cutting-edge drone mapping technology.