Graphic Packaging International, an American paperboard producer for beverages and other consumer goods, will invest $41.5m in the company’s paper mill in West Monroe for upgrading machinery.
Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal and Graphic Packaging announced that close to 1,340 employees are expected to be retained at three Louisiana sites
The investment will cover the expansion of the capacity of the facility's fiber storage. Facilities at the dryer section, coater and stock cleaning areas will also be improved.
The project will aim at reducing the site's environmental footprint, including improvements in the handling of solid waste.
Jindal said: "Graphic Packaging International's new investment in West Monroe represents not only its success, but the faith and confidence it has in Louisiana's best-in-the-nation business climate.
"This investment in the facility and in our state positions Graphic Packaging International as a leader in its field, and ensures the continued presence of great jobs for Louisiana families."
The project follows the company's $8.6m expansion of its consumer carton facility in West Monroe in June 2012, which created 47 new direct jobs, retained 456 jobs associated with the company's beverage and consumer carton facilities in West Monroe, and also created 117 indirect jobs.
Graphic Packaging vice president and resident manager Tony Hobson said: "I am delighted Graphic Packaging International and Louisiana Economic Development have partnered to bring about this investment in our West Monroe Mill operations.
"We weighed many factors in our decision to further invest in the West Monroe Mill. The state's pro-business environment and the exceptional workforce made a significant impact. The partnership between Graphic Packaging International and Louisiana is an enduring example of how to attract, retain and grow business."
Graphic Packaging provides packaging solutions to food and beverage products claims to be one of the largest producers of folding cartons.
