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GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WCBD) – State and local leaders met to discuss the next steps for the International Paper Mill’s employees on Monday.

The International Paper Mill announced they are closing down the plant in Georgetown by the end of this year. This is expected to impact nearly 700 employees.

Georgetown County said their first priority is working on getting the mill’s workers new employment.

“We’re focusing on people right now, we’re working on re-employment opportunities,” Jackie Broach, public information officer of Georgetown County, said. “Of course there are effects beyond the people who have lost their jobs, and that’s significant – there were about 700 of them, but they also have families who work for other employers. Some of them are our employees, some of them are from the school district, some of them work for Tidelands. We’re wanting to keep these people in our community.”

In an effort to offset the hit the local economy is expected to feel next year, local businesses are looking to hire the mill’s workers. Currently, Tidelands Health has around 200 jobs open that require either a high school diploma or an associate’s degree.

“Some of these positions are easy to transition from their industrial background into healthcare,” Jeremy Stephens, executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Tidelands Health, said. “I know that might seem a little intimidating, but I spent 15 years in manufacturing, and I work in healthcare now, it can be done. So, we want to help them understand what types of positions we have, what the requirements are, and then we really want to partner with Horry-Georgetown Technical College to do some training.”

The college is offering free classes for people to get an associate’s degree, which is also in partnership with Tidelands Health. The company is open to working with those employees, who may be interested, to learn new skills.

However, healthcare is not the only option. Many of the businesses around Georgetown asked to be included in the upcoming job fair.

“We have lot of employers who have reached out with offers like that. They want to absorb some of these employees, people who have been loyal employees for many years. Again, we really just don’t want to lose these families, we want them to be able to stay here in Georgetown County and continue to be valuable members of our family.”

This week, SC Works will be at the mill working with employees to update their resumes and job search skills. On Nov. 21 and 22, the job fair is expected to be held at the Howard Center.

GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WPDE) — Various agencies are coordinating to assist those impacted by the closure of the International Paper mill in Georgetown.

Georgetown County, SC Works, and a coalition of local, regional, and state partners are assisting aid to the hundreds of employees who will lose their jobs.

IP has operated in Georgetown since 1937. It was announced on Thursday that the mill would cease operations by the end of the year.

The box plant will remain open, which employs about 125 people. The mill was one of the county's largest employers and will leave 526 hourly employees and 148 salaried employees without jobs.

In addition, 200 contractors will also be impacted, as well as local businesses.

The agencies are coordinating resources, including a job fair and skill development workshops this month.

Kimberly Burke, Regional Manager of SC Works, said the agency will set up at IP on Nov. 6, 7, and 8 to assist IP employees with resume writing and other important skills for job seekers.

SC Works staff will work with small groups in one-hour blocks and IP has agreed to provide flexibility to workers to help ensure they can take advantage of the resources.

Workers can also learn about opportunities for retraining through Horry Georgetown Technical College and one-on-one coaching sessions will also be available for those interested.

A two-day job fair will take place all day at Georgetown County's Howard Center on Hawkins Street on Nov. 21 and 22.

Employers can sign up by contacting Maya Morant with the Georgetown County Economic Development at 843-545-3161.

READ MORE:Georgetown community reels from Pulp & Paper Mill closure announcement

The given agencies have been formulating a coordinated assistance plan to mitigate the economic and social impact of the closure.

Groups met with IP officials to get a better understanding of shutdown plans and the benefits terminated employees will receive. A multi-phase support strategy was then built from this.

One of the priorities is to assist the unemployed workers find new positions locally so those families can remain in Georgetown County.

Following the closure announcement, Angela Christian, Georgetown County Administrator said she received calls from employers who wanted to help by hiring.

To get all the partners on the same page, efforts need to be coordinated for the maximum effect.

“This was a shock for our community, and it’s not going to be easy to recover from. But our community is committed to working together to get through this. We’re going to support each other and come through the other side stronger. Team Georgetown is resilient," said Christian.

Published: Nov. 1, 2024 at 2:01 PM PDT|

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) - A paper mill that residents and officials said served as the heart of Georgetown will fully shut down next month.

A letter obtained by WMBF News via the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce states machines and other operations at the International Paper facility in Georgetown will shut down by Dec. 17.

The letter was sent in compliance with The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or WARN, Act of 1988. It also states around 675 employees are expected to be impacted by the closure.

The WARN Act letter adds that the first employees, which are primarily hourly and union-represented, will begin terminating employment around Jan. 5, 2025.

“Since this is a permanent closure of the entire facility, ultimately no bumping rights will exist for any affected employees,” the letter stated. “There is also no opportunity for impacted salaried employees to exercise bumping rights. All employees can apply for available positions at any other International Paper facility.”

International Paper previously stated all employees impacted will be offered severance benefits, along with outplacement services and access to mental health resources.

Will Freeman and his brother are from Georgetown and told WMBF News their grandfather worked at the mill for 30 years.

“I didn’t forsee this coming,” he said. “And obviously the workers didn’t either, which I think is the saddest part of this. There wasn’t time to prepare.”

Freeman says he’s now helping those impacted by the closure by writing resumes. He’s not the only one lending aid, either.

“We feel that we can help veterans out with some of our resources,” said Curtis Cain, Post Service Officer for VFW Post 10420. “We’re glad the community support is coming behind us.”

Cain said he’s working on setting up job fairs, sharing job postings and coming up with more ways to help veterans who are among hundreds impacted by the mill’s closure. The VFW is also joined in that support by the Georgetown Craft Credit Union, a bank established to help workers save and borrow money.

“It was a surprise and shock to many of us,” said Nikki Ewing, Vice President of Marketing with Georgetown Kraft Credit Union. “I think it’s something we will work through and come out the other side.”

In 2000, the bank joined a community charter allowing others to bank with them. Even though the bank itself may not take a direct hit - it says it won’t leave those who built it behind.

“Any of the employees that are going through this transition of figuring out what their next steps are, we will definitely be there for them,” said Ewing.

And while the mill’s closure has shaken up Georgetown County - those who call the area home are offering advice to their neighbors to help everyone move forward.

“Talk to each other, lean on each other,” said Freeman. “It’s just a good time for this community that’s suffering this loss to come together and raise one another up.”

Georgetown County also provided a statement Friday afternoon stating it was providing resources to help employees who will lose their jobs.

“Georgetown County and partner organizations began formulating a coordinated assistance plan to mitigate the economic and social impact of the closure,” the county said in its statement. “The initial response efforts include Georgetown County Economic Development, the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, the City of Georgetown, Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments, and the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce, among others. This group met with IP officials to get a better understanding of shutdown plans and the benefits terminated employees will receive. Then they built a multi-phase support strategy.”

The county also said SC Works will set up at the mill from Nov. 6-8 to assist employees in writing resumes and answer any job-seeking questions. Contractors impacted by the shutdown are also invited to attend.

Georgetown County will also host a two-day job fair at its Howard Center on Hawkins Street from Nov. 21-22. Employers can sign up to participate by calling 843-545-3161.

The mill, which sits outside of city limits, produces around 300,000 tons of fluff pulp designed for an array of products, including baby diapers. The mill also produces uncoated freesheet papers for another paper mill company through a contract that will expire at the end of the year.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.

Copyright 2024 WMBF. All rights reserved.

International Paper (NYSE: IP) announced a strategic review of its global cellulose fibers (GCF) business, which generated $2.9B in revenue in 2023. The GCF business operates across three countries with eight mills and two converting facilities, producing absorbent pulp for personal care products and specialty applications. Additionally, IP announced the permanent closure of its Georgetown, South Carolina mill by the end of 2024, affecting 674 employees. The Georgetown facility produces 300,000 tons of fluff pulp, which will be transferred to other mills. The company plans to maintain customer relationships while focusing on sustainable packaging solutions.

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Insights

The strategic review of IP's $2.9B revenue Global Cellulose Fibers business signals a significant shift in corporate strategy, potentially leading to a sale or spin-off. This represents roughly 20% of IP's total revenue base. The closure of the Georgetown mill, while painful for employees, aligns with operational efficiency goals by transferring production to optimize capacity utilization.

The move to potentially divest GCF would streamline IP's focus on packaging solutions, potentially unlocking shareholder value through better operational focus and capital allocation. The retention of Morgan Stanley suggests serious consideration of major strategic alternatives. The timing aligns with industry trends toward specialized focus rather than diversified operations.

The fluff pulp market remains attractive with growing demand in hygiene products, particularly in emerging markets. IP's strategy to retain Georgetown's production capacity while shifting it to other facilities indicates confidence in market fundamentals. The decision to terminate the Sylvamo paper contract further demonstrates IP's strategic pivot away from traditional paper markets.

This restructuring could position IP more competitively in its core packaging business while potentially creating value through strategic alternatives for the GCF business. The focus on high-value fluff pulp customers through an 80/20 approach suggests improved margin potential in remaining operations.

10/31/2024 - 07:45 AM

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- International Paper (NYSE: IP) today announced the decision to review strategic options for its global cellulose fibers (GCF) business. The decision to explore alternatives for the GCF business is consistent with the Company's strategy to focus on sustainable packaging solutions.

IP's GCF business creates safe, high-quality absorbent pulp for a wide range of applications like feminine care, incontinence and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. In addition, its specialty pulp serves as a sustainable raw material used in textiles, construction materials, paints, coatings and more. The GCF business generated $2.9B in revenue in 2023 and has operations in three countries, with eight mills and two converting facilities.

"International Paper is committed to maximizing value for our shareholders, and to that end, we have launched a comprehensive and thorough review of strategic options for our global cellulose fibers business," said International Paper Chairman and CEO Andy Silvernail.

"GCF is focused on accelerating earnings by aligning resources with our most strategic fluff pulp customers, implementing an 80/20 mindset and creating a simplified and focused portfolio. Our team is well-positioned to win with attractive customers in the growing global fluff pulp market," said Clay Ellis, Senior Vice President, Global Cellulose Fibers, International Paper. "Throughout our review, we will maintain our strong customer relationships with the same high standards and close collaboration."

International Paper has retained Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC as financial advisor to help review strategic options for the GCF business. The review of strategic options is at an early stage, and there can be no assurance that this review will result in any kind of transaction or other outcome. The Company will provide updates on the progress or status of this matter if and when it deems further disclosure is required or appropriate.

IP to Close Georgetown, S.C. Pulp and Paper MillAdditionally, the Company announced the permanent closure of its Georgetown, South Carolina mill. The mill will shut down in stages with a full closure expected by the end of 2024.

The Georgetown mill produces approximately 300,000 tons of fluff pulp designed for a range of consumer applications from baby diapers to incontinence products. GCF plans to retain 100% of the mill's fluff pulp capacity by transferring production to other mills and further reducing the Company's exposure to commodity pulp grades.

The mill also produces uncoated freesheet papers that it sells to Sylvamo (NYSE: SLVM) pursuant to a strategic contract, which IP and Sylvamo have mutually agreed to terminate as of December 31, 2024.

"This decision is especially difficult because of the impact on hard-working employees, their families and the surrounding communities," said Bernie Chascin, Georgetown mill manager, International Paper.

In total, 526 hourly employees and 148 salaried employees will be impacted. All employees will be offered severance benefits, outplacement services and access to mental health resources.

About International Paper International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world's largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what's next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America and North Africa. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com.

Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include the risks that this review of strategic alternatives will not result in any transaction or other desired outcome; that we will be unable to realize the anticipated benefits of this review of strategic alternatives; and that we will be unable to realize the anticipated benefits from our closure of the Georgetown, South Carolina pulp mill. These forward-looking statements are also subject to the risks and uncertainties contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on February 16, 2024, the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2024 filed with the SEC on July 26, 2024, and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. In addition, other risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that we currently believe to be immaterial could affect the accuracy of any forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or changes in expectations.

SOURCE International Paper

FAQ

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is conducting a strategic review of its global cellulose fibers business, which generated $2.9B in revenue in 2023, to explore various options and alternatives for the business.

International Paper is closing the Georgetown mill as part of its strategic restructuring, with plans to transfer the mill's 300,000-ton fluff pulp production to other facilities and reduce exposure to commodity pulp grades.

The Georgetown mill closure will affect 674 employees in total, consisting of 526 hourly employees and 148 salaried employees, who will receive severance benefits, outplacement services, and mental health resources.

International Paper's Georgetown mill will shut down in stages with a full closure expected by the end of 2024.

Published: Oct. 31, 2024 at 2:45 PM PDT|

GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WCSC) - The International Paper mill in Georgetown is closing down by the end of the year and will put nearly 700 people out of work.

Leaders past and present are reminiscing on its time in the town and working to help secure the future of the employees.

Mayor Carol Jayroe says she found out about the paper mill closing only a little while after the employees. All day she says she has been talking to the business, the state Department of Employment and Workforce and friends she knows who work there.

“It’s all a fluid situation right now, so there’s not a lot that I know that you don’t know,” Jayroe says.

Jayroe says she has already talked to State Rep. Lee Hewitt about the SC Department of Employment and Workforce services that can be brought to the area. She emphasizes that this was a financial decision by International Paper and the company alone. International Paper says it will offer severance packages and outplacement services.

Aside from her work assessing the economic impact, Jayroe says she’s only ever known the city with the mill as a major part.

“I’ve lived here all my life. So International Paper, you know, my father worked there, and my grandfather worked there. So, yeah, it’s been an integral part of my life,” Jayroe says.

After 88 years open, locals know its closure will have severe impacts. The mill employs 526 hourly employees and 148 salaried employees who will soon be out of work. Former Mayor and Councilman Jack Scoville calls the news horrible.

“There’s people in the pulpwood industry, in the trucking industry, that depend on that mill so it’s going to have a direct impact on a lot more people than just the 700 or so who are going to lose their job. That’s absolutely horrible,” Scoville says.

The mill represents one of the last industries left in the city after the steel mill closed, and the port shut down. The city plans to build a new city hall on the old steel mill property. The paper mill facility is on county land. Mayor Jayroe says she is open to any future that may include annexing it into the city, but it’s too early to say what will become of it.

Scoville has some ideas, with Georgetown’s Front Street transforming into a tourist hub with increasing waterfront access. He adds the paper mill space as something that could draw another business or be transformed.

“So maybe the silver lining here, or what’s the story, when you get lemons make lemonade, is that between ports authority property and the steel mill property and the paper mill property, there may be some great opportunities,” Scoville says. “But in the near future, in the next two or three years, it’s going to have a real horrible economic impact across this town.”

While acknowledging the major loss of business and income to the area Scoville hopes this means something better is around the corner.

“Maybe developers need to start looking at Georgetown, because perhaps this 3, 4, 5, years from now, we’ll look back and say, well, new jobs have come in because of this area being available for development. So all we can do at this point is keep our fingers crossed. Hope for the best. Love our neighbors, help them when we can and move forward,” Scoville says.

Jayroe says while she has been close to tears all day, these things happen and it’s time for the people, city, county, and state to offer the resources they have prepared for industry closures.

“We are so fortunate to have several entities come together to help guide us through these times and our hearts go out to each and every one that will be affected by this closure. For almost 90 years, we have had a partner in International Paper, and it is a different day in the City of Georgetown,” Jayroe says.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.