International Paper received a visit from Sen. Jeff Sessions yesterday to discuss the company’s energy co-generation system.

Members of management and union representatives were on hand to answer the senator’s questions about the facility and give him a short tour of the plant.

Sessions said he wanted to see more industry growth in the state, but he wanted to visit International Paper to ensure &uot;the existing industry is healthy, strong, and has opportunity to expand.&uot;

Sessions was mainly interested in the plant’s capabilities to produce it’s own energy onsite. He wanted to learn how the co-generation system works and if there was potential for other companies to use it.

James Harrison, president of local 2367 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union, said he enjoyed the chance to talk to the senator.

Marc Dearman, president of local 1441 Paper Allied Industrial Chemical and Energy Workers Union, also had the opportunity to shake hands and speak with the Sessions.

The senator seemed impressed with the plant and

familiar with it’s operations.

The trip to International Paper was the last leg of Session’s tour of local industry.

The senator had also visited companies in Monroville, Camden, and other surrounding areas.