Packaging and paper products manufacturer International Paper (IP) is launching a $52.2 million modernization project at its Bogalusa, LA paper mill to increase the site’s efficiency, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and the mill’s manager, Bernie Chascin, announced in a recent Louisiana Economic Development (LED) release.

 “Our planned investment represents the mill’s ongoing focus on maintaining safe and reliable operations, producing essential products that meet the needs of our customers and providing good jobs to the region,” Chascin said in a statement. “We are grateful for the support of Louisiana leaders and our community partners who play an important role in our success.”

During the project, IP intends to upgrade the site’s recovery boiler system and make improvements to its filtration, condenser and acid systems used in the papermaking process. The company also operates a corrugated box plant at the Bogalusa location.

The company purchased the facility in 2012 from Temple-Inland Inc. Since the acquisition, IP has injected $487 million into the operation, including the most recently announced investment. 492 workers currently staff the Bogalusa plant.

LED’s release did not offer details on when the project is expected to reach completion.

Powder & Bulk Solids reported in September 2017 that IP was planning to invest $300 million in a machine conversion project to improve its position in the industrial packaging market.