Mill upgrade, distribution center planned in north Louisiana

Monday, May 1, 2017 11:15 am

Mill upgrade, distribution center planned in north Louisiana | Graphic Packaging, DHL, investment, employees, capital projects,

MONROE, La. (From news reports) -- Two companies will invest $274 million in upgrades to a paper mill and in construction of a new packaging and distribution center planned for Monroe, creating 93 new jobs.

Gov. John Bel Edwards announced the plans this past week with the CEOs of Graphic Packaging International and DHL Supply Chain, companies joining together for the investment and expansion.

Graphic Packaging will upgrade its mill's machines in West Monroe, to supply paperboard for the new packaging and logistics center in Monroe. There, DHL will build the distribution facility and folding carton plant.

Edwards' office says Louisiana competed with Georgia, Arkansas and Mississippi to win the packaging and distribution center. Graphic Packaging and DHL will get millions in tax breaks under the deal.

The facilities will open in phases over 2018 and 2019.