Fraser Papers says it won't have to lay off as many workers at its Gorham, New Hampshire mill next week as had been planned.

Instead of the 167 paper makers expected to lose their jobs on April 17, Fraser says an increase in orders has allowed the company to cut the layoff almost in half. Fraser official Willis Blevins said 80 to 90 workers now will be laid off. Blevins said the company has received enough orders to allow it continue to operate one of the two paper machines that were going to be shut down.

Blevins said Fraser expects the layoff to be temporary and is working with state and federal officials to replace oil-fired boilers with two biomass boilers that will dramatically reduce the company's energy costs. He said a decision on the boilers will be made by the end of the month.