June 26, 2026 - International Paper on Aug. 26 announced plans to cease its preprint operations at its Richwood, Kentucky facility, and close its Aurora, Illinois sheet plant and converting plants in Elk Grove, California and Barrington, New Jersey by the end of the third quarter 2026.
The company said that the measures reflect its ongoing strategy to strengthen its cost position, increase capacity, and provide customers with the highest quality sustainable packaging solutions.
"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.
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.
International Paper (NYSE:IP; LSE: IPC) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, IP employs more than 65,000 team members and serves customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries.
SOURCE: International Paper