Executives of International Paper Co. will visit the company's just-purchased corrugated container plant in Union Gap, at 600 W. Ahtanum Road, next week.
      The private event is being repeated at each of the more than 100 former Weyerhaeuser container and recycling facilities that International Paper purchased for $6 billion in cash, a spokeswoman said.
      "It will be a chance to do a meet-and-greet, share the company's culture and for them to show off their facilities," said Patty Neuhoff, director of communications for Memphis-based International Paper.
      Neuhoff said the company anticipates business as usual at the Union Gap plant other than the name change.
      She said the addition of the Weyerhaeuser facilities gives International a broader reach to serve customers.
      The Union Gap plant is one of 72 packaging plants International purchased as part of the deal.
      The plant has approximately 113 employees and makes corrugated boxes for the fresh fruit and vegetable industries. The plant's primary service area is the Yakima Valley and Eastern Washington.

Wed Aug 13 12:36:00 CDT 2008