International Paper touts itself as being one of the world's leading paper manufacturers, with plants and distribution centers all over the United States.

Their footprint is getting smaller and smaller by the day, though. Last month, International Paper laid off over 650 employees due to some restructuring.

Now the company has announced that they are shuttering four more plants and laying off hundreds more people.

The International Paper factories that are closing are in Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina and Tennessee. They are calling their downsizing "a transformational journey."

Let's break this down: In Tennessee, International Paper is laying off 115 workers. At their Missouri plant, they will be terminating 150 more people.

Over at their North Carolina facility, they are laying off 74 folks, while in Illinois they don't know how many employees will be affected, but the distribution center there will be closing, as well.

This amounts to more 1,500 layoffs in the past 30 days at International Paper — not a great look for them or the American economy.

International Paper says this will all be done on or before December 18, just in time for the holidays.

Company spokesperson Amy Simpson made the following statement:

"The decision to close these facilities was difficult but these actions will allow us to shift resources and increase our investments in facilities where we can best serve our customers through improved quality, reliability and service delivery."

International Paper is said to serve more than 25,000 people in 150 countries, so while their footprint will still be massive, it will be considerably reduced by Christmas.

Country Artists' Last Pre-Fame Regular Jobs — No. 5 Is UNEXPECTED!

We all know country artists for being ... well, country artists. But the reality is, they are regular people just like we are. Before fame, they, too, held regular jobs out in the wild. Let's take a look at country artist's last pre-fame regular jobs, and see what they were up to before playing to sold out crowds.

Gallery Credit: Evan Rose

23 Country Stars With Their Own Bars + Restaurants

Of all of the side hustles country artists could partake in, opening a bar or restaurant is the most fitting — and very common. After all, many of these stars got their start on a barstool, tip jar nearby, playing their music for anyone who would listen.

These places feel like home for many of these singers. Over the years, several artists have gotten into the bar or restaurant game, and for a select few, brands have turned into franchises with several locations and/or concepts — we're looking at you, Jimmy Buffett!

Let's take a look at the country star food and entertainment venues that have opened over the years.

Gallery Credit: Jess

Jelly Roll: 25 Stunning Facts About the 'Save Me' Singer

Jelly Roll is country music's most fascinating character. His life has taken dozens of wild twists and turns, and he's been honest about all of it. Here are 25 facts about the "Save Me" singer and his family.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

More From 101.5 KNUE