From the outside it appeared to be business as usual at the Tullis Russell plant near Markinch on Monday.
The busy A92 was populated by lorries making their way to and from the site while the plant itself with its distinctive column of steam seemed to be in good working order.
But by the afternoon, a steady stream of cars were leaving the plant with sombre-looking drivers behind the wheel.
They had just had their worst fears confirmed that the employee-owned firm had collapsed into administration with the immediate loss of 325 jobs.
Most were unwilling to speak, instead driving straight ahead with shell-shocked looks on their faces.
But others spoke of their anger at the way things had turned out, with some of the venom being directed at Tullis Russell management.
One employee with more than 20 years’ service, who would only give his first name David, said there was a lot of anger among staff.
He said: “The loss of the Paperlinx contract seems to have been the final nail in the coffin, but failure to modernise is to blame and it’s been a shambolic day today.
“Management sent us over the edge. Money was wasted left, right and centre. We should have moved from this site years ago.”
A source close to another employee, who asked not to be named, said staff were called to a meeting in the morning and told to clear their desks.
The source said: “Rumours had been bubbling for some time. They hadn’t produced paper for the last week.
“But when staff got paid last week it reassured them somewhat. I heard one of the suppliers had gone bust.
“There had also been a problem with the biomass plant a pipe had collapsed but I have also heard that was not necessarily connected with the problem.
“In some ways this has come at a fortuitous time.”
Another source said employees that turned up for work were refused entry to the site.
“People were turning up for work and then turned away. It’s been a right mess.”
Another worker leaving the site blamed local politicians.
He said: “This is another example of a company failed by a Labour administration.
“The timing could hardly be worse right before an election too.”