The size of the work force projected for Superior Packaging hasn't changed at 80 workers but the man spearheading the new company is being deliberately vague during a visit to the city Thursday about the product, predicting it '' will put the mill on the map.''

Jay Gurandiano was pleased with the progress to reopen the former Abitibi Mission Mill and said everything is moving along smoothly and the deal is in its final stages. He met with union officials and said he was delighted with Abitibi's cooperation and the condition of the mill.

For the last six weeks, engineers have been working at the facility and Gurandiano says the next step is finalizing sales and purchase agreements, something he'd like to see completed over the next two months.

The letter of intent was signed between Gurandiano's group, Superior Packaging Ltd. and Abitibi for the purchase of the property in December and a longterm collective agreement with the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers was reached shortly afterwards.

Gurandiano says for competitive reasons, he doesn't want to say much about the product the company will manufacture but he believes it is a product that the workforce and the company will be proud of.

''Its a product I think will put this mill on the map, its being made by very few in North America, although its being produced in Europe, its an eco product with sustainability,'' he said.

While Gurandiano would not be specific on how many workers the new operation will employ, previous reports have pegged the number at about 80 jobs.