IP to Close Minden, La., Corrugated Container Plant

International Paper Co., Memphis, Tenn., USA, will close its Minden, La., container plant on July 17, affecting 60 worker jobs at the plant, according to a report this week in The Town Talk, Alexandria, La. IP assumed ownership of the plant in February with the $4.5 billion acquisition of Temple-Inland Inc. Last week, IP announced it was spending $44 million to modernize the Bogalusa, La., mill, also formerly owned by Temple-Inland, and retain more than 400 jobs.

"Following the merger with Temple-Inland, we have more capacity than our customers need in this area," Doug Strickel, region GM, said in a news release. "Other area facilities are better positioned to handle the production requirements that will be necessary as we consolidate our operations, and unfortunately, that led to the decision to close this plant."

The company will discuss plans for severance and other benefits with the local union, United Steelworkers Local 677, IP said in the release.

The plant opened in 1948 and produces 690 million sq ft of corrugated packaging each year for customers in the consumer packaging products industries.

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