International Paper to Close Packaging Plants in California and Kentucky

International Paper announced the closure of its packaging plants located in Compton, California, and Louisville, Kentucky, with operations scheduled to cease in January 2026. The company confirmed that all customers will continue to be served from other nearby locations.

The shutdown of the Compton facility will affect 125 employees, while the Louisville closure will impact 93. International Paper stated that it will work to reduce the workforce impact through natural attrition, retirements, and redeployment into open positions within its broader network. Employees will also receive job placement assistance, access to psychological support resources, and severance packages.

 

Tom Hamic, Executive Vice President and President of North American Packaging Solutions, emphasized the difficulty of the decision, noting the significant effect plant closures have on employees and their families. He expressed gratitude for the contributions of departing workers and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting them throughout the transition.

The company continues to advance its transformation strategy aimed at strengthening its position as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions. As part of this process, International Paper is optimizing its operational footprint to concentrate investments in facilities that provide higher efficiency, improved quality, greater reliability, and stronger service performance.