Gov. John Bel Edwards and Hood Container of Louisiana announced the company will make a capital investment in two phases and install new equipment at its St. Francisville-based paper manufacturing facility. As part of the upgrades, Hood Container will retain 237 jobs held by Louisiana residents at the St. Francisville facility and create 10 new direct jobs with an average salary of $51,450, plus benefits. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 30 new indirect jobs, for a total of more than 40 new jobs in the region. The expansion also will generate 80 construction jobs.
The two phases of the project include the installation of a modern press section on the facility’s H1 paper machine and a recycling plant for reuse of old corrugated containers. The new press section will allow the St. Francisville mill to increase containerboard production while the installation of the recycling plant will support the increased production.
“Hood Container’s planned investment is a perfect example of how Louisiana’s economic strengths are ensuring continued success for our businesses,” Gov. Edwards said. “Our highly skilled talent, robust infrastructure and strong network of economic development partnerships connecting the state, regional and local levels are proving to companies that an investment in Louisiana is a sound decision. Not only will Hood Container’s new investment ensure increased efficiency, but it will also retain and create new jobs. We congratulate Hood Container on its new chapter in Louisiana, and thank the company for its commitment to our state and our people.”
The company acquired the St. Francisville paper mill from Amzak Capital Management LLC in October 2015. The acquisition of the mill complemented Hood Container’s corrugating-medium mill in New Johnsonville, Tennessee, and Hood’s converting operations across the Southeast U.S. The Hood Container Corp. was established in July 2012 with its purchase of the New Johnsonville mill from International Paper.
“Our main objective as a parish government is to assist in the growth of employment and investment in West Feliciana,” Parish President Kevin Couhig said. “We could not ask for a better industry partner than Hood Container. This investment renews their commitment to a long-term future in the parish, and we are happy to assist them in getting this done.”
LED began discussing a potential facility upgrade with Hood Container of Louisiana in August 2016. To secure the project, the State of Louisiana offered the company a competitive incentive package that includes a Modernization Tax Credit of $640,000. The company is also expected to utilize the state’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.
“Hood Container Corp. is one of the main employers in West Feliciana Parish, so this announcement of 237 retained jobs and 10 net new jobs is great news for the parish and the region,” said President and CEO Adam Knapp of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. “Supporting existing businesses is a key part of our team’s efforts, and we applaud Hood for their investment to increase efficiency and productivity here in the Baton Rouge area.”
About Hood Container
With a desire to be a different type of containerboard company, Hood Container supports the needs of its customers, employees, communities and owners. To attain this high standard, the Hood Container team is relentless in the pursuit of excellence in safety, environmental stewardship, quality, cost, efficiency, and profitability. For more information, visit HoodContainer.com