International Paper Plans to Close Scotland Mill

International Paper, Memphis, Tenn., has announced that it will close its Inverurie, Scotland, mill by the end of March. A three-month employee consultation process failed to find a financially viable alternative future for the mill, the company says.

The closure removes 250,000 tons of uncoated freesheet capacity from International Paper’s European output.

“Over the last three months, we have worked hard together with the appropriate representatives to evaluate alternatives for the future of the mill,” says Mary Laschinger, president of International Paper Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia. “Unfortunately, none of the options provided a business plan that was financially viable and that would safeguard jobs.

She adds, “Our focus now is on helping our people make the transition into new employment and to continue our efforts, with government agencies and others to market the site for future reindustrialisation.”

International Paper is a global paper and packaging company with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia and North Africa.