April 11 marks the final day of operations at the longtime employer
CAMPTI, La. (KALB) - International Paper’s Red River Mill in Campti has officially shut down.
This week marks the last days on the job for many workers, some of whom have been there for decades. For them, it is more than just the end of a job — it feels like losing a close friend.
“There’s a sense of loss. It’s almost like somebody really close to you has passed away,” said Tim Miley, who worked as the recycle department process manager.
Odell Oliphant, who served as a front line leader in mechanical maintenance, shared a similar sentiment.
“This has been home for me. I spend more time out here than I do with my family,” he said.
As the mill closes, workers are reflecting on what this means for the local community. One of the biggest concerns is the loss of job opportunities for young people in the area.
“One of my biggest regrets about the mill closing is how many young people will have to leave to find work,” Miley said. “There could have been hundreds staying here near their families, but now many will have to move away. I hope something else comes along that lets people stay close to home and still make a good living.”
Some workers, like Oliphant, are choosing retirement. But the future is uncertain for others, including his daughter, who also worked at the mill.
“She doesn’t really know what tomorrow holds,” he said. “But I know, and she knows, that her faith will carry her through.”
Miley is one of the few transitioning to a new role. He is joining the company’s corporate recycling team, where he will visit other mills and help improve their operations using what he learned in Campti.
The closure raises questions about what will happen to leftover chemicals and waste at the site. Miley explained that once the shutdown was announced, a “closure team” was created to manage cleanup and safety.
“The company brought in people to help with resumes and relocation. There was a big job fair, and the State of Louisiana stepped in to support workers too,” he said. “Now, those of us still here are working on shutting everything down, cleaning up and making sure we protect the environment.”
Although the mill officially closed on April 11, some workers will remain temporarily as part of the cleanup crew, ensuring the facility is safely prepared for whatever comes next.
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