By Jeff Skrzypek

ALBANY, Ore. -- International Paper announced on Thursday that it will shut down its containerboard facility in Albany by mid-December.  The company announced that the plant will gradually shut down over the next two months.  At least 230 jobs will be lost as a result of the closure.  Three mills in total will be closed, one in Virginia and the other in Louisiana.

Company officials say the recession has put them in a tough spot, as other businesses don't need as much paper anymore, which has a trickle-down effect on all aspects of the paper economy. The three closures will reduce company production by 2.1 million tons of product each year.

 The community of Albany is already reacting to the announcement of the paper mill closing.  Many residents say the job losses will not only affect those that work at the paper facility, but will eventually affect the entire economy of the city.

Officials with International Paper say they will now shift to help employees at this facility to either transfer within the company or give them the resources to find work elsewhere.