International Paper to Invest in Louisiana Plant Modernization

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): International Paper (IP) announced that it plans to invest in its Bogalusa, Louisiana plant so as to boost the plant’s efficiency. Two months back, the company had announced that it would be spinning off its Printing Papers segment into a separate entity.

According to Bernie Chascin, plant manager, IP- Bogalusa, the company plans to invest up to $52.2 million in upgrading the plant. The investment is aimed at modernizing the mill, which includes upgrades to the recovery boiler system along with enhancements to the filtration, condenser and acid system at the plant.

IP had purchased the Bogalusa plant site from Temple-Inland Inc. in 2012. Since then, the company has invested approximately $487 million in capital upgrades, including the recently announced project, at the mill. It has also increased the total count of direct employees by almost one-fifth over this period. Currently, the site comprises a paper mill and an associated corrugated box plant.

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The investment is being supported by a competitive incentive package that includes a $500,000 Modernization Tax Credit from the State of Louisiana. IP will also make use of the Industrial Tax Exemption Program.

In addition to the Bogalusa facility, the company also operates a containerboard plant in Springhill, a preprint and coatings plant in Shreveport, containerboard mills in Mansfield and Campti and a bulk plant in Lafayette.