In response to International Paper’s announcement of the permanent closure of its Savannah, Georgia containerboard mill, Savannah packaging facility, Riceboro containerboard mill, and Riceboro Timber and Lumber, the Technical College System of Georgia’s (TCSG), WorkSource Georgia, and the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) have announced a collaborative effort to support the affected 1,100 employees.

“I am deeply concerned about today’s announcement from International Paper and the impact it will have on both their employees in Georgia and our timber growers,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “That’s why I’ve mobilized the Technical College System, the Georgia Department of Labor, and the Department of Economic Development to connect affected workers with new opportunities. Thankfully, the strong state economy we’ve built together over the last seven years has made our job market healthy and resilient, with a steady pipeline of investments and opportunities coming to the regions affected by this announcement. Since I took office, we’ve announced roughly 27,500 new jobs and $14.2 billion in investment in that area of the state, and that doesn’t include organic growth.

“I’ve also asked the Department of Economic Development to make attracting more businesses that benefit our timber growers one of the highest priorities, as we continue to work with the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Georgia Forestry Association in the wake of a difficult year for this vital industry. As these families and communities work through these changes in the coming weeks and months, we’ll be right by their side to support them.”

“These workers are the backbone of their communities, and our state’s workforce,” said TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier. “Through job placement services, education, and training opportunities, we will work tirelessly to help every affected Georgian turn this challenge into an opportunity for economic prosperity.”

Leading the charge of providing those resources is the Rapid Response team within TCSG’s Office of Workforce Development and WorkSource Georgia. 

“Once a company files its Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN), we move immediately to coordinate services that match the needs of the workforce and the community,” said TCSG’s Executive Director of Business Engagement Brandon Ona. “This includes on-site transition centers, job fairs, and connecting employees with education and training pathways to help them quickly secure their next opportunity.”

WorkSource Georgia and the Georgia Department of Labor are providing direct support to employees with job search assistance, résumé building, support services, and access to critical unemployment benefits.

“The Georgia Department of Labor is committed to supporting every worker affected by these closures,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “In partnership with TCSG, House Speaker Jon Burns and our state partners, we are providing families in Savannah, Riceboro and surrounding communities with access to vital unemployment insurance benefits, comprehensive workforce development services and personalized support to help them navigate this career transition and access new opportunities.”

Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting the region during this transition. “I, along with each member of our delegation in the House, remain committed to working tirelessly with our state leaders, federal partners, and timber producers to navigate this difficult transition, secure new employment opportunities for the hundreds of citizens impacted by the closures, and safeguard the long-term strength and viability of Georgia’s timber industry.”

According to International Paper, the Savannah and Riceboro mills will shut down in phases by the end of September 2025, with the Savannah packaging facility also ceasing operations by that time. 

For more information, please contact Cheryl Myers, Dir. of Communications at [email protected] or Shawna Mercer, GA Dept. of Labor, Dir. of Communications/Chief Marketing Officer at [email protected].