NATCHITOCHES PARISH, LA (KALB) – After the recent closure of International Paper’s Red River Mill in Campti, local leaders are working hard to bring jobs and industry back to the area.
According to the , Parish President John Salter shared during the July 21 Parish Council meeting that there are ongoing conversations with companies interested in using the old Campti mill site. The goal is to turn the location into a new paper goods manufacturing facility, this time using leftover agricultural materials like sugarcane and corn.
The potential new company would produce paper-based products such as envelopes and liners, made from parts of crops that are usually thrown away. Local leaders said this would not only bring jobs but also support local farming and reduce waste.
Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr. said the next step is for International Paper, the current owner of the site, to allow meetings and inspections.
“If International Paper is willing to talk, let them see the site, and confirm it’s a good fit, then we can move forward with negotiations,” he said. “Our hope is that International Paper will work with us so another company can come in and bring good-paying jobs back to this parish.”
The closure of the mill left a major gap in local jobs and industry. Leaders said a new company could be a fresh opportunity for workers across the parish.
“This could mean new jobs, new investment and long-term growth,” Mayor Williams said. “We’ve made real progress as a community, and this just shows that we’re a place where companies can succeed.”
A paper company based in South Carolina is currently showing serious interest in the site. However, Mayor Williams explained that they are not ready to commit just yet. Several things still need to happen, including a site visit and a feasibility study to make sure everything would work for the new operation.
“They make paper products like envelopes, and they seemed genuinely interested,” he said. “From what I heard in the meeting and from their team, it felt like a real opportunity.”
If everything goes well and the deal is made, the new company could bring in jobs starting at $85,000 to $86,000 per year, a significant boost for the local economy.
The name of the company interested in the site has not been shared yet, but local leaders said they are working hard behind the scenes to make it happen. As things move forward, we will continue to follow the story and share updates as we learn more.
to report a typo. Please provide the title of the article in your email.