The 2013 state-level ACCRA cost of living index ranked Louisiana as the 4th-lowest cost of living in the country.
LED Communications Director [email protected] 225.342.3437
LED Press Secretary [email protected] 225.342.5145
Company employs more than 450 people in north Louisiana
Gov. John Bel Edwards (fourth from right) takes part in the Aug. 31, 2022, groundbreaking ceremony for WestRock's $97 million paper mill expansion project in Hodge, La.
HODGE, La. – Gov. John Bel Edwards announced the start of construction Wednesday on a $97 million project to expand and modernize the WestRock Company paper mill, a major employer and driver of economic activity in Jackson Parish since it began operations in 1928.
The investment in construction of a new woodyard and new equipment will increase capacity and efficiencies and reduce operating costs at the facility, the company said. It comes on the heels of the recently completed five-year modernization plan that the company announced in 2017. WestRock employs more than 450 people with an annual payroll of more than $44 million in north Louisiana.
“WestRock’s latest investment in this facility is an investment in the workers of north Louisiana and the rural revitalization of our state,” Gov. Edwards said at a groundbreaking ceremony attended by company executives and state, regional and local government and business leaders in Hodge. “These critical upgrades ensure the long-term viability of a facility responsible for more than 450 direct jobs and hundreds more indirect jobs in Jackson Parish. We’re grateful for the company’s continuing commitment to Louisiana’s workers, to our rural communities, and to the growth and diversification of our timber industry.”
The Hodge mill, situated on a 1,700-acre site, was operated by Rock-Tenn Company until the company merged with MeadWestvaco in 2015 to form WestRock. The multinational paper and packaging solutions manufacturer has 320 locations employing 50,000 employees in 30 countries. Its Hodge facility produces high-quality container board that is used in manufacturing corrugated containers.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:
Louisiana State Rep. Jack McFarland: “The timber sector has been a powerful economic engine in our rural communities for generations, and investments like this one keep that engine running smoothly. On behalf of District 13, I thank WestRock for securing jobs and supporting contractors who rely on the paper mill for their livelihood, and applaud the north Louisiana workers whose skill and dedication gave the company confidence to invest in Jackson Parish.”
About LED Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for strengthening the state’s business environment and creating a more vibrant economy. It is the only state agency in the U.S. accredited by the International Economic Development Council, boasting award-winning programs like LED FastStart, rated the No. 1 customized workforce training program in the U.S. 13 years in a row. In 2021, LED attracted 64 new economic development projects representing over 18,100 new direct and indirect jobs, 9,700 retained jobs and more than $20.5 billion in new capital investment. Explore how LED cultivates jobs and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana and employers of all sizes at OpportunityLouisiana.com.
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