AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT INTERNATIONAL PAPER

Memphis, Tennessee-based International Paper, a producer of packaging, pulp, and other fiber-based products, has announced a strategic operational realignment that will affect its multi-state operations.

International Paper announced late Friday plans to close four facilities across the United States by the end of the third quarter. It will close a sheet plant in Aurora, Illinois, along with converting plants in Elk Grove, California, and Barrington, New Jersey. It will also cease preprint operations at a facility in Richwood, Kentucky.

The closures will impact 330 employees, 136 in California, 133 in New Jersey, 41 in Illinois and 20 in Kentucky.

According to a company spokesperson, "These are difficult but necessary decisions that strengthen our network, focus investments where they create the greatest value and position International Paper to better serve customers and compete for the long term. We are grateful to the employees affected and are committed to supporting them through this transition and ensuring a seamless experience for our customers."

Change is constant, and it's coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT SMYTH COMPANIES

Eagan, Minnesota-based Smyth Companies, a provider of labeling and packaging solutions, has announced the closure of its Wilmington, Massachusetts, digital and UV Flexo pressure-sensitive label printing facility as part of a post-acquisition consolidation.

The closure will impact 69 employees, including press operators, digital die cutters, material handlers, and maintenance technicians, commencing March 1, 2026, and ending on July 1, 2026.

Change is constant, and it's coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT PACKAGING CORPORATION OF AMERICA

Lake Forest, Illinois-based Packaging Corporation of America, a manufacturer of packaging material and containers, has announced a restructuring that will result in the permanent shutdown of its No. 2 paper machine and kraft pulping facilities at the Wallula, Washington mill.

The shutdown will impact 200 employees with layoffs commencing on February 9, 2026.

According to Chairman and CEO Mark Kowlzan, “We recognize the impact of decisions like this on our employees and will provide support through this process. We greatly appreciate their efforts and our decision is not a reflection on their performance. We are taking these steps to support the future viability of the mill and improve our efficiency and cost position, while continuing to invest in our future growth."

"We face a challenging and worsening cost environment at the Wallula mill. Wood fiber and purchased power costs are by far the highest in our system, making the currently configured mill no longer competitive. By operating as a single-machine, recycled mill, we will streamline operations at the facility and significantly lower our cost of production, while continuing to produce high-quality containerboard for our plants and customers. We have significantly invested in the W3 machine and its capabilities after we converted it to containerboard in 2018. Moving some production to lower-cost PCA facilities where we are investing in production improvements will further optimize our mill system, resulting in even greater efficiencies.”

Change is constant, and it's coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?