It has been reported widely that International Paper is set to close four corrugated packaging facilities in the U.S. before the end of the year, with reduction in workforce numbers at a sheet plant in Texas and at the company’s headquarters, as it looks to consolidate ahead of the merger with DS Smith.
The company’s spokesperson, Amy Simpson, confirmed that it is actioning:
- complete closure of a facility in Cleveland, MO, affecting 115 employees
- complete closure of a facility in Statesville, NC, affecting 74 employees.
- complete closure of a facility in the Kansas City, MO, affecting 150 employees;
- complete closure of a facility, in Rockford, IL, affecting an unspecified number of employees;
- reduction of workforce at a sheet plant in San Antonio, TX, affecting 89 employees;
- reduction of head-count at the company’s headquarters in Memphis, TN, affecting around 400 employees.
Simpson said, “A critical step in this journey is to organize our teams and resources to create the most value for customers and shareholders. As a result, we made the difficult decision to cease operations at the four sites. The decision to close these facilities was difficult but these actions will allow us to shift resources and increase our investments in facilities where we can best serve our customers through improved quality, reliability and service delivery.”
Employees at all affected locations can apply for other positions at the company. IP will offer departing employees severance packages, outplacement services and mental health resources, Simpson confirmed.
