International Paper to Close Aurora, Illinois Sheet Plant by End of 2026
International Paper will close its Aurora, Illinois sheet plant by the end of September 2026 as part of a North American restructuring. The company has not disclosed how many jobs will be eliminated.
A Major Aurora Employer Pulls the Plug
International Paper announced plans to close its sheet plant in Aurora, Illinois by the end of the third quarter of 2026. The closure is part of a broader restructuring that affects four facilities across North America.
The company has not disclosed how many Aurora jobs are at risk. That number could become clear when International Paper reports its second-quarter earnings on July 30.
What the Company Said
International Paper said the closures are intended to improve cost competitiveness and focus investment on higher-value operations. The company plans to shift affected customers to other facilities within its regional network.
"These are difficult but necessary decisions that strengthen our network, focus investments where they create the greatest value and position International Paper to better serve customers and compete for the long term. We are grateful to the employees affected and are committed to supporting them through this transition and ensuring a seamless experience for our customers," said Tom Hamic, Executive Vice President and President of Packaging Solutions North America at International Paper.
The company said impacted employees will receive severance, benefits, and outplacement support.
Four Plants Affected
The restructuring touches four locations:
- Aurora, Illinois — Sheet plant to close
- Elk Grove, California — Converting plant to close
- Barrington, New Jersey — Converting plant to close
- Richwood, Kentucky — Preprint operations to cease
All changes are expected to be completed by the end of September 2026.
What Aurora Residents Need to Know
The federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act generally requires employers to provide 60 days of written notice before qualifying plant closings or mass layoffs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Aurora employees and local officials may see formal WARN notices in the coming weeks.
International Paper has not released a specific head count for the Aurora facility. The company also has not disclosed the expected restructuring charges tied to the closures.
A Bigger Strategy at Play
The closures are part of International Paper's multi-year effort to streamline its North American packaging footprint. The company recently completed a $360 million acquisition of North Pacific Paper Company in Longview, Washington, adding recycled packaging paper capacity on the West Coast.
International Paper also announced plans in January 2026 to separate into two publicly traded companies. The North American packaging business will remain under the International Paper name, while the Europe, Middle East and Africa operations will spin off into a new entity.
Management has said the restructuring helps simplify the North American company before that separation takes effect.
What Comes Next
International Paper is scheduled to host a second-quarter earnings webcast on July 30. Analysts expect the call to provide more details on job counts, restructuring costs, and how the company plans to transition customers without disrupting service.
Aurora city leaders and local unions have not yet commented publicly on the announcement. The company's next steps will determine how quickly employees learn their individual status and what support resources become available.