The "phased closure" of a Smurfit-Stone cardboard plant in south Fresno will begin Nov. 23 with the release of 22 employees.

Company spokesman Tim Rowden said Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. plans to close its Calwa plant, at 2525 S. Sunland Ave., in phases over the coming year. The plant employs about 115 people, including 92 hourly workers who are not likely to be absorbed into other jobs with the company.

Earlier this year, Smurfit-Stone -- with headquarter offices in both Chicago and Missouri -- acquired a 90% interest in Calpine Corrugated, which operates a more modern box-making plant in nearby Malaga. The closure of the Calwa plant is part of a consolidation plan Smurfit-Stone announced at the time of the purchase in July.