Southeast Texas Mill Closing, Will Impact Louisiana Workers

Almost every resident of Louisiana who has ever ventured west from Lake Charles, Louisiana, and crossed the Sabine River into Texas knows where Orange, Texas is. It's the town with the giant Texas-sized star at its welcome center off I-10.

For many Louisiana workers, they pass that giant star on the way to and from work every day. But for some workers, their commute will soon have to be in a different direction to an entirely new job.

International Paper has announced the closing of several of its facilities. It's estimated that the impact of those closings will reduce the company's workforce by some 900 employees. Some of those job losses will be felt by Louisiana and southeast Texas workers since International Paper has announced that one of the mills to be closed operates in the state line city of Orange, Texas. 

The facility in Orange, Texas produces containerboard out of its mill. Containerboard is a paperboard product that is used to make corrugated boxes and other packaging materials. The product is made by combining paper pulp and recycled paper and blending those ingredients with several other proprietary substances to make a strong and durable product.

Although very similar to cardboard, containerboard is usually more sturdy and rigid. It's a popular choice for industries that have to pack and ship a lot of items. The containerboard can be created in various sizes, strengths, and thicknesses. That's all determined by the customer's needs.

It is estimated that the closure of the Orange, Texas facility will reduce International Paper's containerboard capacity by some 800,000 tons. However, International Paper's containerboard mills across the county, there are 17 others, will continue to fulfill the company's obligations to its customers.

It is expected the Orange, Texas plant will continue in operation through the end of the year.