The partial demolition of the eastern portion of Otsego's, MI now-defunct Menasha Paper Mill signals renewal, its new owners say.

The demolition, meant to make room for a new paper machine being built in the United States and Finland, began a few weeks ago.

The mill's operator, Otsego Paper Inc., is a subsidiary of Chicago-based USG Corp. The company bought the plant, at 320 N. Farmer St., last summer for $102 million.

Only five workers are at the site, preparing it for the delivery of the machine, which USG spokesman Bob Williams said should arrive in mid-to-late summer.

"That will be milestone,'' Williams said. "After the machine arrives, things will really start moving out there.''

The mill will manufacture heavy-duty paper backing for USG's Sheetrock brand of wallboard and will be the company's eighth such facility in United States.

Some time late this year, USG will formally break ground at the mill and begin taking applications for the more than 100 jobs Williams said will be created.

He said finding workers should not be a problem.

"The work force there is talented and experienced,'' he said. "We're looking forward to getting started.''