Hood Container Expands Manufacturing Facility in Louisiana

by Evelina Croitoru

2105 Louisiana 964, St Francisville, La.

Baton Rouge—Hood Container of Louisiana has revealed plans for a capital investment in two phases and installation of new equipment at its paper manufacturing facility in St. Francisville, La. The new facility will create up to 237 jobs.

“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. 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,” President & CEO Adam Knapp of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, said in prepared remarks.

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 will increase container board production while the installation of the recycling plant will support the heightened production.

“Hood Container’s planned investment is a perfect example of how Louisiana’s economic strengths are ensuring continued success for our businesses. 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,” Governor John Edwards said in a prepared statement.

The company acquired the St. Francisville paper mill from Amzak Capital Management LLC in 2015. The purchase complemented the firm’s corrugating-medium mill in New Johnsonville, Tenn. LEED started discussing the potential facility upgrade with Hood Container of Louisiana back in August 2016. In order 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.

Image via Google Maps