Smurfit Westrock Hodge Mill

100 Mill St, Hodge, LA 71247, United States

Since 1928, the 1,700-acre Hodge paper mill has played a vital role in supporting customers, strengthening the local economy and providing stable jobs within the community it calls home.

As a cornerstone of the regional timber industry, the mill produces high-quality containerboard used to manufacture corrugated containers. It’s also a major employer and economic driver in the region, and plays an important role by providing jobs, supporting local organizations and contributing to the long-term vitality of the community.

A recent capital investment expanded and modernized the mill’s woodyard, reinforcing its commitment to the region and positioning its continued success. The project transformed the mill’s aging woodyard infrastructure to increase efficiency, advance sustainability and meet growing fiber supply demands.

The upgrades, including construction of a new woodyard, as well as extensive new equipment and supporting infrastructure, have delivered far-reaching benefits. By reducing waste and improving resource efficiency, the project has lowered the mill’s environmental footprint while creating lasting value for the surrounding community. It has also strengthened operational reliability, reduced costs and increased wood yield, allowing the mill to maximize the value of every tree it processes.

The team knew this upgrade would enhance the safety and comfort of employees for years to come. But just as importantly, they wanted to ensure everyone played a role throughout the construction process. To make that happen, the mill dedicated an employee with more than 40 years of experience to oversee the project’s safe implementation from start to finish. Thanks to that commitment, the project was completed with zero recordable incidents.

For a site that prioritizes safety and was recently awarded the 2026 Safety Excellence Award by the Pulp and Paper Safety Association, the injury-free milestone reflects a culture where operational excellence and employee well-being go hand in hand.

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Our Sustainable Paper Portfolio

The mill manufactures a diverse range of paper grades that empower brands and industries worldwide to enhance their packaging strategies while supporting a circular economy. Smurfit Westrock is committed to responsible sourcing, and the paper mill is Chain of Custody certified under FSC®, PEFC™, and SFI®.

See our certifications

Proud to be a part of the Hodge community

Building a Stronger Community Together

With more than 450 employees at the mill, and hundreds of more jobs supported throughout the region, the mill serves as a vital economic engine for the surrounding community. For those impacted by the mill’s success, the woodyard upgrade has provided a huge morale boost. Its positive impact extends beyond the mill's gates, inspiring employees and leaders to invest in the wider community. Through a range of charity events and initiatives held throughout the year, the team remains committed to giving back to the community they call home.

The Hodge Strong Foundation

The team is passionate about giving back to the community, and it starts with helping ensure everyone has the basic necessities they need to thrive. Through the Hodge Strong Foundation, the team hosts three charity events throughout the year and then uses the profits to provide meals to about 100 children in and around Hodge. It is a commitment the team takes very seriously because they know families are depending on it.

Investing in the next generation

Along with volunteering their time and resources to other charitable initiatives, such as The Local Boys and Girls Club and a camp for children with disabilities, this year the Hodge team also began doing work to give back, bringing their expertise into local elementary schools. The Tiny Timber Crew, a book which introduces children to sustainable forestry, was donated to every second grader in the area. Leaders from the mill also went into schools to read aloud to the students. Many of these students have strong family connections to the mill, with parents, grandparents, or relatives who currently work, or have worked, there. Seeing their families represented in the book made the experience particularly meaningful. It also gave them a better understanding of the sustainable work the mill does and, hopefully, inspired some of them to consider a future at the mill themselves.

Habitat for Humanity

Hundreds of Hodge employees have also volunteered their time with Habitat for Humanity, building a house for a local community member. They’ve set a goal for an August move-in date, and the team is excited to see their hard work pay off.

Looking ahead

The benefits of the new woodyard continue to ripple across the mill and the surrounding community. By reducing average truck unloading times, the upgrade is helping the hundreds of log trucks that arrive at the mill each day get back on the road faster. Those gains improve efficiency throughout the supply chain, strengthen the local forestry economy and position the mill for continued success in the years ahead.

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