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Oct. 18, through the national newswire, International Paper announced a series of actions “to further strengthen and optimize its manufacturing system to meet customers’ needs” by permanently closing its containerboard mill in Orange, as well as permanently ceasing production on two of its pulp machines in North Carolina and Florida.
“Decisions like these are extremely difficult, because of the impact on our employees, their families and the communities in which we operate,” said Chairman and CEO Mark Sutton. “We are grateful to our employees in Orange, (North Carolina) and (Florida) for their significant contributions to the company over the years. We are committed to providing severance benefits, outplacement assistance and more to help employees during this time.”
In total, approximately 900 positions will be impacted. The Orange mill reportedly employed a total of 525 employees. Additionally, as reported to The Examiner by plant staff, many more contract workers positioned at the Orange mill will be affected, as well.
The permanent closure of the Orange mill alone will reduce the company’s containerboard capacity by approximately 800,000 tons. The company’s remaining containerboard mill system in North America will include 17 mills with an annual production capability of 13MM tons.
“We believe strongly in the attractive, long-term fundamentals of our businesses and these actions further strengthen our competitive platform,” Sutton added.
The company expects the Orange mill to cease production by the end of the year.
Lamar State College Orange President Thomas Johnson said Lamar State College Orange stands ready to assist workers impacted by the mill closing, as well as any other adult learners, via the college’s trade, skill and craft vocational programs.
“We are proud to work closely with local employers, many of whom serve on our program advisory committees, to prepare an employment pool for industry to draw upon,” Johnson said. “LSCO is committed to providing training and networking opportunities in the coming months to connect industry partners with a skilled workforce.”