Mount Vernon News

MOUNT VERNON — On Monday, the sign outside the containerboard packaging business on Granville Road changed. Weyerhaeuser, which has been part of the Mount Vernon community for the past 50 years, was purchased by International Paper for $6 billion in cash.

“As people drive by, I’m sure they’ve seen the sign change to International Paper,” said Joe Sims, site manager for the Mount Vernon Container Plant. “It’s not a secret. We’ve known for several months that IP purchased the plant.”

The transaction was announced in March and included 72 packaging plants and 14,000 employees of Weyerhaeuser, including the 150 employees in Mount Vernon.

International Paper is a global paper and packaging company with headquarters in Memphis, Tenn. Sims feels IP is a good match for the former Weyerhaeuser plant.

“The good news is International Paper is committed to the packaging business. They are a major player in the industry,” he said. “This is a significant addition for International Paper. Mount Vernon is a really good plant. It’s highly regarded in the industry.”

There are no plans at the moment for any changes at the Mount Vernon plant other than the sign on the front door, according to Sims.

“This is a great plant and a great facility. We’ve got a fantastic work force,” he said. “I anticipate good things here in Mount Vernon.”

Sims also noted that Weyerhaeuser and International Paper both have a long history of supporting the communities where employees work and live in, so he’s not expecting any changes there either.

“Like Weyerhaeuser, International Paper has a legacy of being good neighbors and stewards of the environment. We look forward to continuing to forge partnerships that make our community stronger,” Sims said in a press release. “After all, it is our vision to be one of the best and most respected companies in the world in the eyes of employees, customers, communities and shareowners.”