FORT SMITH — The planned closing of an International Paper Co. sheet plant here this spring will not affect operations at two larger plants the Memphis, Tenn.-based industrial packing company operates in Arkansas’ second-largest city, officials said Tuesday.
International Paper announced last week that the sheet plant would end production in mid-June, idling six workers. IP spokeswoman Amy J. Sawyer said the company’s two larger facilities in Fort Smith will continue operation as usual and will not be affected by the closure.
Combined, those plants employ about 250 people, she said. Shutdown of the sheet plant coincides with the closing of three other International Paper plants, corrugated paper operations in Chicago, Solon, Ohio., and Santa Paula, Calif. Altogether, the facilities employ 215 workers.
Doug Strickel, region general manager for International Paper, said the closures follow the company’s recent merger with Temple-Inland Inc., a move that left IP with excess capacity, particularly in locations like Fort Smith where both companies operated.
Strickel said the company will provide severance and other benefits to affected employees.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Fort Smith plant opened in 1996 and produces 36 million square feet of specialty corrugated packaging.
International Paper employs about 70,000 people following the acquisition of Temple-Inland in February and is located in more than 24 countries serving customers worldwide. International Paper net sales for 2011 were $26 billion.
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Rusty Garrett writes for the Times Record in Fort Smith.