Hood Container of Louisiana will make a capital investment in two phases and install new equipment at its paper manufacturing facility in St. Francisville, Louisiana.

As part of the upgrades, 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 section will allow the St. Francisville mill to increase containerboard production while the installation of the recycling plant will support the increased production.

“Hood Container’s planned investment is a perfect example of how Louisiana’s economic strengths are ensuring continued success for our businesses,” Governor John Bel Edwards said. “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. We congratulate Hood Container on its new chapter in Louisiana, and thank the company for its commitment to our state and our people.”

The company acquired the St. Francisville paper mill from Amzak Capital Management LLC in October 2015. The acquisition of the mill complemented Hood Container’s corrugating-medium mill in New Johnsonville, Tennessee, and Hood’s converting operations across the Southeast U.S. The Hood Container Corp. was established in July 2012 with its purchase of the New Johnsonville mill from International Paper.

“Our main objective as a parish government is to assist in the growth of employment and investment in West Feliciana,” Parish President Kevin Couhig said. “We could not ask for a better industry partner than Hood Container. This investment renews their commitment to a long-term future in the parish, and we are happy to assist them in getting this done.”

LED began discussing a potential facility upgrade with Hood Container of Louisiana in August 2016. 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.

“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,” said President/CEO Adam Knapp of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. “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.”