IP – Layoffs at box plant as one shift closing down

Approximately six months after International Paper took over the Bogalusa paper mill and box plant from Temple-Inland and three months after company officials joined Gov. Bobby Jindal in announcing a $44 million investment at the facility, IP confirmed that it laid off “less than 20” of its box plant employees.

IP Spokesman Scott M. Sauer said the layoffs are due to transportation and shipping expenses.

“Following the merger with Temple-Inland, we have had to make tough business decisions as we consolidate our operations,” he said. “In order to take advantage of freight synergies, the decision was made to remove some capacity from the Bogalusa plant and move it to other IP facilities that are better positioned to handle our customer’s needs.”

The reduction in force leaves “just under 100” employees at the box plant, and pretty much closes down one shift…

via IP confirms layoffs at box plant – The Daily News: News.