International Paper Co. is closing its plant in Auburndale, Fla., which will eliminate 96 jobs by June 15, according to a report from Winter Haven, Fla.’s News Chief newspaper.
The plant, which originally opened in Auburndale in 1957, manufactured 790 million square feet of corrugated packaging for the agricultural, food and beverage industries every year, specializing in cardboard boxes and containers. International Paper has three other Florida plants in Lake Wales, Plant City and Tampa, according to News Chief.
So far in 2009, International Paper has announced plans to permanently close seven plants and temporarily close two nationwide.
International Paper officials said economic conditions and too many box production sites in Florida led to the decision to close the plant, according to News Chief.
Memphis-based International Paper (NYSE: IP) is the world’s largest pulp and paper producer. It employs about 2,300 people in Memphis.
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