News Summary
The forestry industry in Louisiana is reeling from International Paper’s announcement of the imminent closure of the Red River Mill, which will cut local jobs and disrupt the supply chain. The mill, a major buyer of pulpwood, employed over 450 workers and significantly contributed to the local economy. Local loggers now face severe financial challenges as they lose their primary market, raising concerns about the sustainability of the logging sector in the region.
Campti, Louisiana – The forestry industry in Louisiana faces a significant crisis following International Paper’s announcement of the permanent closure of its Red River Mill, effective at the end of April 2025. This closure, first revealed in February 2025, has sent shockwaves through the local economy and shouldered considerable implications for the state’s logging sector.
The Red River Mill was a vital operation in the area, purchasing approximately 1.6 million tons of pulpwood each year, equivalent to about 250 truckloads per day. Its output primarily consisted of containerboard, making it one of the largest taxpayers within Natchitoches Parish. The mill not only served as a steady source of income for local suppliers but also employed over 450 workers, many of whom had dedicated their careers to the facility.
The announcement has incited chaos within the logging industry, as suppliers are now left with excess pulpwood and no market to sell to. Local industry officials have reported significant disruptions, highlighting that the closure poses dire threats to the financial viability of loggers and suppliers. In one striking example, a supplier to the mill is facing monthly losses of $38,000 in sales and may have to halve his logging crew due to the lack of buyers.
The economic ramifications of the mill’s closure extend beyond the immediate job losses. It has been estimated that the region will suffer considerable losses in tax revenue, which has already contributed to the decision by the Natchitoches Parish School Board to shut down nearby Goldonna Elementary/Junior High School.
The forestry sector plays a crucial role in Louisiana’s economy, providing about 25,500 jobs and contributing approximately $3.8 billion annually to the state’s gross domestic product. However, with the Red River Mill’s closure, loggers are fighting against dwindling opportunities to market their timber. Landowners are struggling to find logging professionals willing to take on the task, as many loggers have either closed their businesses or lack the necessary resources.
Since the late 1990s, pulpwood production in Louisiana has seen a notable decline. Currently, there are only about six paper mills still operational in the state that buy pulpwood. The closure of the Red River Mill has further exacerbated the already precarious situation within the logging industry, making it more challenging for loggers to find markets for their wood. They now face higher transportation costs, as longer distances must be traveled to locate potential buyers, ultimately leading to lower prices due to inflated supply and reduced demand.
In response to the ongoing challenges, the Louisiana Legislature has taken steps to offer support, including the appropriation of $1.5 million to the Natchitoches Parish Port Commission for managing wood byproducts from local sawmills. Furthermore, there are ongoing discussions regarding the potential repurposing of the Red River Mill site for biofuel production, reflecting a trend observed across other parts of Louisiana.
The Red River Mill site, established in 1974, has undergone numerous operational changes over the years in response to fluctuations in market demand and advancements in technology. International Paper’s strategic decision to close the facility aligns with its broader effort to streamline operations and enhance production efficiency.
While a small number of workers remain on-site for decommissioning activities, company representatives have indicated that no final decisions have been made concerning the site’s future use. The closure of the Red River Mill underscores the pressing need for economic diversification in regions heavily reliant on the forestry sector, as stakeholders brace for the continued fallout from this pivotal loss.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NOLA: International Paper Mill Closure and Impact on Timber Industry
- Wikipedia: Forestry in Louisiana
- PR Newswire: International Paper Announces Facility Closures
- Google Search: International Paper Closure 2025
- Shreveport Times: International Paper Closes Red River Mill
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Louisiana
- KALB: Former Red River Mill Workers React
- Google News: Louisiana Forestry Industry Impact
