The company’s paper mill operations and sawmill operations at the same location are not affected, company officials said.

“The decision to close the box plant is a difficult one, and we regret the loss of jobs,” Dennis Vesci, Temple-Inland’s group vice president of Corrugated Packaging Operations, said in a statement released by the company. “Current market conditions are driving this decision, and in no way is the closure a reflection on the hard-working, capable and competent workforce at the Rome facility.

“However, in order to maintain a competitive position in our markets, we will remain focused on our strategic initiatives — to further increase asset utilization, improve operating efficiency and lower costs in our box plant system.”

“The Atlanta/Southeast market is important for Temple-Inland,” Vesci said. “The company is well positioned with a number of box plants in the Southeast to serve the needs of our customers.”

Temple-Inland is scheduled to announce third-quarter earning results Tuesday. In July, the company reported a $58-million drop in second quarter net income compared to a year ago.

Temple-Inland closed at $7.01 per share on the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday, down almost 13 percent.

ROME NEWS TRIBUNE