Sen. Derek Mallow (D–Savannah) has responded to the news of the permanent closure of several International Paper facilities in Georgia, including the Savannah containerboard mill, Savannah packaging facility, Riceboro containerboard mill, and Riceboro Timber and Lumber.
According to Sen. Mallow, “I have received the unfortunate news regarding the permanent closure of the Savannah containerboard mill, the Savannah packaging facility, the Riceboro containerboard mill, and Riceboro Timber and Lumber.
These changes will impact approximately 1,100 hourly and salaried positions. This decision impacts many hardworking employees and their families across our community.
I have already spoken with International Paper’s Government Relations Director, who confirmed that the company is coordinating with the Georgia Department of Labor to assist affected employees during this transition. International Paper has committed to providing severance packages and outplacement assistance to support employees during this transition.
I want to be clear: I will remain steadfast and persistent in ensuring that International Paper honors its commitments to these workers. We owe it to the men and women who dedicated their careers to this company to guarantee they are supported with the resources, training and assistance necessary to move forward.
The strength of our community lies in standing together in challenging times, and I will continue to advocate on behalf of all impacted families.”
The closures are expected to affect about 1,100 jobs in total as a result of shutting down both hourly and salaried positions at these facilities. The company plans on working with state agencies such as the Georgia Department of Labor so that those affected can access available support services including severance pay and job placement help.
Senator Mallow represents District 2 in Chatham County.
