By 1808Delaware
In a move signaling a significant shift in its operations, Delaware-based Greif, Inc. —a global leader in industrial packaging—has announced plans to permanently close its Los Angeles paperboard mill by June 2025. The closure is part of the company’s broader effort to streamline operations and optimize its mill network.
The Los Angeles facility, which has long produced both coated recycled paperboard (CRB) and uncoated recycled paperboard (URB), will remove a combined 72,000 tons of annual capacity from the market. Notably, this closure also marks the end of Greif’s coated paperboard production on the West Coast.
Tough Decisions, Human Impact
While acknowledging the strategic importance of the decision, Greif’s President and CEO Ole Rosgaard emphasized the company’s awareness of its human cost.
“Closing this facility was not an easy decision, especially knowing the effect it has on our team members, their families, and the surrounding community,” Rosgaard stated. “I want to sincerely thank our Los Angeles colleagues for their hard work and commitment over the years.”
The company has pledged to support the 72 employees impacted by the closure through severance packages and career transition resources, aiming to help them navigate this difficult transition.
Strategic Realignment and Future Growth
Greif attributed the closure to rising costs and limited integration opportunities at the Los Angeles mill. According to company leadership, the decision is a key part of a long-term plan to strengthen the company’s position in core markets and improve the efficiency of its overall business portfolio.
“We remain confident in the strength of our business and its long-term potential,” Rosgaard added. “This is a strategic decision intended to strengthen our focus in key markets while enhancing the performance of both our existing mill network and broader business portfolio.”
About Greif
With operations in 37 countries and over 14,000 employees, Greif is a leading global provider of industrial packaging solutions. The company manufactures a wide range of products including steel, plastic, and fiber drums, intermediate bulk containers, paperboard, corrugated products, jerrycans, and packaging accessories. Greif is also engaged in timberland management in the southeastern U.S.
Guided by its vision to become “the best customer service company in the world,” Greif continues to evolve its portfolio to meet global industrial needs. More information about the company is available at www.greif.com.
