IP to close its Santa Paula, California, container plant by mid-June, resulting in 60 job losses, says company has more capacity than its customers need in this area following merger with Temple-Inland

Sandy Yang

SANTA PAULA, California , April 20, 2012 (press release) – International Paper (NYSE:IP) today announced it will permanently close its Santa Paula Container Plant by mid-June, resulting in the loss of approximately 60 jobs.

“Following the merger with Temple-Inland, we have more capacity than our customers need in this area,” said Shawn Todino, region general manager. “Other area facilities are better positioned to handle the production requirements that will be necessary as we consolidate our operations, and unfortunately, that led to the decision to close this plant."

The company will discuss plans for severance and other benefits with the local union, International Brotherhood of Teamsters District 2.

“The most difficult part of this is the effect on employees and their families,” Todino said. “We will work to assist them where possible during the closure process.”

The plant opened in 1962 and can produce 900 million square feet of corrugated packaging each year for customers in the agriculture, industrial, food and beverage, and consumer products industries.

About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global paper and packaging company with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia and North Africa. Its businesses include uncoated papers and industrial and consumer packaging, complemented by xpedx, the company's North American distribution company. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., the company employs approximately 70,000 people following the acquisition of Temple-Inland Inc. and is strategically located in more than 24 countries serving customers worldwide. International Paper net sales for 2011 were $26 billion. Temple-Inland Inc., which was acquired in February 2012, had 2011 net sales of $4 billion. For more information about International Paper, its products and stewardship efforts, visit internationalpaper.com.

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