International Paper is closing two Georgia mills, cutting 1,100 jobs, in a restructuring move tied to industry pressures and a shift in investment toward Alabama.
At a Glance
- International Paper will shut mills in Savannah and Riceboro, Georgia
- The closures will cut 800 jobs in Savannah and 300 in Riceboro
- Company plans to expand operations in Prattville, Alabama with $250 million investment
- Closures come as part of pulp division restructuring and asset sales
- Local leaders warn of major economic fallout for affected communities
Shuttering Savannah and Riceboro
International Paper Co., one of the world’s largest producers of pulp and paper, announced it will shutter two mills in Georgia, eliminating 1,100 jobs. The Savannah facility, which employs about 800 workers, and the Riceboro mill, with 300 employees, are set to wind down operations in the coming months.
Company officials cited restructuring of its pulp division and asset sales as primary drivers of the closures. While International Paper has pledged to support workers through severance and retraining programs, local leaders warn the economic impact could be devastating, particularly in Riceboro, where the mill is one of the largest employers.
Investment Shifts to Alabama
Even as Georgia facilities close, International Paper is committing $250 million to expand its Prattville, Alabama operations. Executives argue this investment reflects a broader strategy to streamline production and concentrate resources in locations better positioned for long-term competitiveness.
Watch now: International Paper Shutting Down Georgia Mills — Report Shows Savannah & Riceboro Closures · YouTube
Industry analysts note that the company is under pressure from global market shifts, with tariffs, demand fluctuations, and cost-cutting reshaping the U.S. paper sector. While Alabama stands to benefit from the expansion, Georgia faces steep economic losses in communities that have long depended on mill operations.
Community Fallout
The closures in Savannah and Riceboro are expected to ripple through local economies. Small businesses reliant on mill workers’ wages—from restaurants to retail stores—will likely see declines in revenue. Local tax bases will also shrink, threatening public services and schools.
For many workers, the loss is more than financial. Generations of families have worked in the mills, making the closures a blow to community identity and stability. Advocacy groups are calling for targeted federal and state assistance to cushion the fallout and support job creation in affected areas.
Looking Ahead
While International Paper frames the move as part of a modernization effort, the decision underscores the harsh realities of industry consolidation. For Georgia, the challenge lies in attracting new investment to replace lost jobs and ensuring displaced workers have access to retraining opportunities. For the paper industry, the closures mark another chapter in a broader struggle to adapt to global competition, changing demand, and trade-related pressures.
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