RockTenn investing in former Smurfit-Stone containerboard and kraft paper mill in Hodge, Louisiana, reassures state lawmakers of facility's prospects

Audrey Dixon

LOS ANGELES , August 25, 2011 (Forestweb) – RockTenn Co. is making capital investments in its containerboard and kraft paper mill in Hodge, Louisiana, the mill is profitable and its future looks encouraging, said Louisiana lawmakers after meeting the company's CEO this week, The News Star reported Aug. 24.

Norcross, Georgia-based RockTenn bought the 500-employee Hodge Mill earlier this year when it acquired Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. for US$3.5 billion. The mill's future had been considered at risk after Smurfit-Stone declared bankruptcy in 2009.

RockTenn CEO Jim Rubright met Fifth District U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander, state Rep. Jim Fannin and state Sen. Bob Kostelka at the company’s head office on Tuesday, The News Star reported.

Alexander said after the meeting that he believed the future of the mill was more solid because of “the stability of RockTenn.”

Kostelka said Rubright had indicated the company possibly wants to expand the 1928 mill.

Fannin said he left the meeting with Rubright “feeling better” about the facility's long-term prospects, The News Star reported.

The paper mill in Jackson Parish, Louisiana, manufactures kraft paper, linerboard and corrugated paper.

The primary source of this article is The News Star, Monroe, Louisiana, on Aug. 24, 2011.

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