Hood Container Corporation is putting a significant amount of money into its historic paper mill in St. Francisville, with a plan to pour $118.9 million into modernization efforts. This initiative is projected to keep 295 jobs in place, offering salaries that exceed the parish average by over 30%. In a report by Opportunity Louisiana, the project is also anticipated to spawn an additional 819 indirect new jobs within the local economy.
The Louisiana Economic Development secretary, Susan B. Bourgeois, noted the strategic importance of such an investment, stating it "strengthen both our manufacturing base and our timber economy, positioning us to win with two industries that have deep roots in Louisiana." The plan aligns with Louisiana's aim to cultivate its agribusiness sector as laid out in the state's Comprehensive Statewide Strategic Plan with the upgrades expected to bolster production capacity by 80,000 tons per year. In addition, the facility is looking to purchase more wood chips and recycled boxes to meet this increased capacity, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between the factory and local suppliers.
Wayne Morgan, Senior Vice President of Hood Container, expressed pride in the growth of their containerboard business and acknowledged Louisiana as a "valued partner" since the company took over the mill in 2015, as Opportunity Louisiana reported. The modernization focuses on the primary paper machine and the mill's recovery boiler, fundamental for the plant's power supply, and also, feeds into the environmental efficiency narrative the paper industry has been increasingly embracing.
Highlighting the economic implications for West Feliciana Parish, Parish President Kenny Havard referred to the investment as a "big win," applauding Hood Container's consistent investment in the region since setting up shop in 2015, as mentioned on Opportunity Louisiana. The modernization project is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2026, with completion aimed for the 2027 annual mill outage. A sizable benefit for Hood Container comes in the form of an $800,000 Modernization Tax Credit spread over five years, part of an incentive package extended by the State of Louisiana, which the company is expected to claim along with the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program.
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber has also recognized the mill's upgrade. Lori Melancon, the chamber's President and CEO, voiced delight over the fact that Hood Container is deepening its roots in the Capital Region.
