Ohio senators back Appleton Papers

WEST CARROLLTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Ohio lawmakers are urging the Obama Administration to protect jobs at Appleton Papers in West Carrollton.

Ohio Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman are calling on the Department of Commerce to curb unfair trading practices.

They want the administration to impose a tax on a foreign paper producer.

"We cannot allow foreign companies to get away with predatory pricing that undermines our economic growth and shutters our factories," said Brown. "Dumping allows foreign paper companies to undersell U.S. companies, including Appleton Papers.  As a result, manufacturing workers have lost jobs and communities have been forced to deal with plant closures."

An initial investigation shows Koehler Paper manipulated data to avoid paying anti-dumping duties, hurting domestic manufacturing at companies like Appleton.

"American workers, like those in West Carrollton, can compete and win on a level playing field.  However, when foreign competitors don't play by the rules, we must stand up to ensure fair competition and enforcement of the laws on the books," said Portman.