International Paper to cease operations at three U.S. plants

International Paper to cease operations at three U.S. plants June 29, 2026 | 11:47 am CDT

googletag.cmd.push(function() {

// Start by defining breakpoints for this ad. var mapping = googletag.sizeMapping() .addSize([768, 0], [320, 50]) .addSize([480, 0], [320, 50]) .addSize([1366, 0], [970, 90]) .addSize([992, 0], [728, 90]) .addSize([400, 0], [320, 50]) .addSize([360, 0], [320, 50]) .build();

googletag.slots["js-dfp-tag-wwn-970x90, -4"] = googletag.defineSlot("//83945039/WWN_970x90", [[970, 90], [320, 50]], "js-dfp-tag-wwn-970x90, -4")

.addService(googletag.pubads())

// Apply size mapping when there are breakpoints. .defineSizeMapping(mapping) ;

googletag.display('js-dfp-tag-wwn-970x90, -4'); });

Woodworking Industry News

International Paper to cease operations at three U.S. plants

By

Dakota Smith

June 29, 2026 | 11:47 am CDT

Print

The company says this decision reflects International Paper's ongoing strategy to strengthen its cost position, increase capacity, and provide customers with the highest quality sustainable packaging solutions. Photo by International Paper. 

MEMPHIS, Tenn., International Paper has announced strategic actions that aim to optimize its network, focus investments on the highest-value opportunities and better serve customers across North America. As a result, the company plans to cease its preprint operations at its Richwood, KY, facility, and close its Aurora, IL, sheet plant and converting plants in Elk Grove, CA, and Barrington, NJ, by the end of the third quarter 2026.

"These are difficult but necessary decisions that strengthen our network, focus investments where they create the greatest value and position International Paper to better serve customers and compete for the long term. We are grateful to the employees affected and are committed to supporting them through this transition and ensuring a seamless experience for our customers," said Tom Hamic, Executive Vice President and President, Packaging Solutions North America, International Paper.

According to reports by PackagingDrive.com, an email notified a total of 330 employees: 136 in California, 133 in New Jersey, 41 in Illinois and 20 in Kentucky.

International Paper will support impacted employees with outplacement assistance, severance and benefits. The company expects to transition affected customers to other facilities within each region to ensure continuity of supply.

.

Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

About the author

Dakota Smith

| Assistant Editor

Dakota is an assistant editor at Woodworking Network, avidly exploring the woodworking industry.

Read more articles from this author

googletag.cmd.push(function() {

googletag.slots["js-dfp-tag-wwn-1x1, 4"] = googletag.defineSlot("//83945039/WWN_1x1", [1, 1], "js-dfp-tag-wwn-1x1, 4")

.addService(googletag.pubads())

;

googletag.display('js-dfp-tag-wwn-1x1, 4'); });

googletag.cmd.push(function() {

googletag.slots["js-dfp-tag-wwn-300x250-1, 4"] = googletag.defineSlot("//83945039/WWN_300x250_1", [300, 250], "js-dfp-tag-wwn-300x250-1, 4")

.addService(googletag.pubads())

;

googletag.display('js-dfp-tag-wwn-300x250-1, 4'); });

googletag.cmd.push(function() {

googletag.slots["js-dfp-tag-wwn-300x250-2, 4"] = googletag.defineSlot("//83945039/WWN_300x250_2", [300, 250], "js-dfp-tag-wwn-300x250-2, 4")

.addService(googletag.pubads())

;

googletag.display('js-dfp-tag-wwn-300x250-2, 4'); });

RECENT ARTICLES

Woodworking Industry News |

06/29/2026

Iowa community leaders invest $900,000 to expand college's skilled trade labs

Woodworking Industry News |

06/29/2026

Arkansas opens applications for pine beetle eradication, hardwood reforestation program

Woodworking Industry News |

06/29/2026

FAO, Bauhaus Earth report highlights wood’s role in cutting construction emissions

Woodworking Industry News |

06/29/2026

International Paper to cease operations at three U.S. plants

Woodworking Industry News |

06/29/2026

Idaho lumber industry pillar, Richard Guy Bennett Sr., has died

Woodworking Industry News |

06/29/2026

Fenestration group announces three events, mass timber topic set for July

googletag.cmd.push(function() {

googletag.slots["js-dfp-tag-wwn-300x600, 4"] = googletag.defineSlot("//83945039/WWN_300x600", [300, 600], "js-dfp-tag-wwn-300x600, 4")

.addService(googletag.pubads())

;

googletag.display('js-dfp-tag-wwn-300x600, 4'); });

googletag.cmd.push(function() {

googletag.slots["js-dfp-tag-wwn-300x250-3, 4"] = googletag.defineSlot("//83945039/WWN_300x250_3", [300, 250], "js-dfp-tag-wwn-300x250-3, 4")

.addService(googletag.pubads())

;

googletag.display('js-dfp-tag-wwn-300x250-3, 4'); });