GRAMERCY — St. James Parish President Timmy Roussel said he received notification Monday that Louis Dreyfus would close its packing facility for Imperial Sugar in Gramercy on Sept. 30.

“I’m saddened to learn about the closure of the Imperial Sugar packing facility, which will result in the loss of 49 jobs,” Roussel said. “Many, if not all, of the affected employees live within the local community.”

Roussel said his administration is working closely with state officials to minimize the closure’s impact on employees and their families.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission’s Rapid Response team has scheduled orientation sessions and re-employment workshops for all impacted employees.

In addition, employees are encouraged to visit the St. James Business and Career Solutions Center located at 2631 Highway 20 inside the Courthouse Annex in Vacherie.

Louisiana Sugar Refining, LLC, which is a separate company located on the same site, will remain open and is not impacted by the Louis Dreyfus announcement, Roussel said.