International Paper has announced the closure of the Pineville, La. papermill along with two other mills.

The containerboard mill in Pineville, open since the 1960s, employs about 226 people.

"We recognize thse are very difficult decisions affecting our employees, their families and the communities surrounding these mills," said John Faraci, chairman and CEO.

Closure for the Pineville mill will be mid-December, according to the IP news release.