MINDEN, La. (AP) – International Paper says it will permanently close its Minden Container Plant by July 17, resulting in the loss of approximately 60 jobs.

Doug Strickel, region general manager, said, following the merger with Temple-Inland, IP has more capacity than customers in the area need.

Strickel said other area facilities are better positioned to handle the production requirements.

He says the company will discuss plans for severance and other benefits with the local union, United Steelworkers Local 677.

The Times reports the plant opened in 1948 and produces 690 million square feet of corrugated packaging each year for customers in the consumer packaging products industries.

Information from: The Times, www.shreveporttimes.com

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