IP to Permanently Shut Down Red River Containerboard Mill

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):  As part of its previously announced restructuring plan, International Paper (IP), based in Memphis, Tennessee, announced the closure of many operations.

The Red River containerboard plant in Campti, Louisiana, will be permanently closed, the business reported. It is anticipated that the mill closure will result in an annual reduction of about 800,000 tons of containerboard capacity for the company. Its recycling plant in Phoenix, Arizona; box plant in Hazleton, Pennsylvania; and sheet feeder facility in St. Louis, Missouri, are among the other operations that will be shut down. According to a news statement from the corporation, all of the aforementioned facilities will stop operations by the end of April this year.

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It is anticipated that 495 hourly workers and 179 salaried workers will be impacted by the closures. To lessen the effect on workers, the corporation will use attrition, retirements, and open positions at other International Paper operations. Additionally, outplacement support, mental health resources, and, if feasible, severance benefits will be provided to the impacted employees.

According to International Paper's executive vice president and head of North American Packaging Solutions, Tom Hamic, the choice was challenging because it affected the company's employees, their families, and the local communities.