CAMPTI, La. -- International Paper Co. on Thursday announced the closure of four of its plants, including the containerboard mill in Natchitoches.
The closure of the Campti plant will eliminate about 300 jobs. Operations are scheduled to end by April.
Other facilities scheduled for closure include a recycling plant in Phoenix, Ariz., box plant in Hazleton, Penn., and a sheet feeder facility in St. Louis, Mo. That affects about 300 more workers.
Company officials said closure of Campti's Red River Containerboard Mill will reduce the company’s containerboard capacity by approximately 800,000 tons on an annualized basis.
“The decision to close any facility is difficult because of the impact on our team members, their families and the surrounding communities,” said Tom Hamic, executive vice president and president, North American Packaging Solutions, International Paper. “We greatly appreciate the contributions from our departing team members and will do all we can to support them.”
The Natchitoches Economic Development Alliance issued a statement Thursday afternoon saying its members are deeply saddened by the news of the International Paper mill's closure. For 50 years this year, the Red River Mill has been an "economic driver for our region and a tremendous community supporter."
NEDA is in communication with state, regional, and local economic and workforce development partners to discuss immediate plans to assist in placing displaced IP employees with available manufacturing jobs in the region. Those affected can visit GoNatchitoches.com/JobOpportunities to see the running list of manufacturers in the region that are actively hiring. NEDA will be adding to this list as more information becomes available.
According to MarketWatch, after earnings showed signs of stabilizing in the final quarter of last year, IP late last month said 2025 would be a transformational year as it looked to further reduce costs. The company in October moved to close a mill in Georgetown, S.C., affecting 526 hourly and 148 salaried employees, and said it was reviewing strategic options for its global cellulose-fibers business as it focuses on sustainable packaging.