K-C confident it can sell its former paper mill property in Everett, Washington, after pending sale to transportation company Saltchuk fell through earlier this year; several potential buyers have expressed interest in the site, says company spokesperson

Debra Garcia

LOS ANGELES , June 6, 2014 (Industry Intelligence Inc.) – Kimberly-Clark Corp. (K-C) isn’t worried that it won’t be able to sell its former mill property in Everett, Washington, after a pending sale fell through earlier this year, reported The Herald on June 4.

Several potential buyers have expressed interest in the 66-acre waterfront site since K-C put it back on the market, according to Bob Brand, a spokesperson for the Dallas Texas-based company.

This was confirmed by Everett’s economic director, Lanie McMullin, who said potential buyers have asked the city for information on the property but declined to identify the parties, The Herald reported.

K-C has until June 15 to apply topsoil and grass seed at the site in order to reduce dust, said Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson. A prior April 15 deadline was allowed to lapse because of the pending sale.

Talks broke down with the potential buyer, Seattle, Washington-based transportation and distribution company Saltchuk Resources Inc., in April.

Saltchuk says it is still interested in the property as a new headquarters for its Foss Maritime Co., and K-C is still open to negotiating. However, the two sides have not resumed talks, reported The Herald.

K-C and Saltchuk could not come to an agreement on responsibility for the site’s environmental cleanup and other issues, such as soil stability and seismic conditions, according to Saltchuk’s April 30 press release.

Saltchuk wanted K-C to pay for most of the work involving pilings that were left in place after most of the property’s buildings were demolished last year. The mill closed two years ago, The Herald reported.

The seismic stability of the land, which is mostly loose fill, is of most concern to Saltchuk. Sources familiar with the talks said that the pilings are connected and could intensify shaking in the event of an earthquake.

The primary source of this article is The Herald, Everett, Washington, via HeraldNet.com, on June 4, 2014. Click here to view full version of primary source's original article.

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