Georgetown city and county leaders react to paper mill closure: 'Loss is devastating'

GEORGETOWN, SC (WMBF) – A paper mill in the South Strand will be permanently closing its doors.

International Paper is closing its plant on South Kaminski Street in the Georgetown area, the company announced in a news release Thursday.

The closure will be gradual, with full closure expected by the end of 2024. The company said 526 hourly workers and 148 salaried employees will be affected by the closure.

“This decision is particularly difficult because it impacts hard-working employees, their families and the surrounding communities,” said plant manager Bernie Chascin.

All affected employees will be offered severance pay as well as outplacement services and access to mental health resources, the release said.

Georgetown Mayor Carol Jayroe said her condolences go out to the people affected by the closure.

“International Paper has been an integral part of our community for decades, playing a large role in our local economy and supporting our community,” Jayroe said. “The closure of the plant is unfortunate as it has had a positive impact on Georgetown over the years.”

Georgetown County also issued a statement saying it was saddened by the news.

“IP has been a great corporate citizen here for nearly 90 years, and the loss is devastating,” the county’s statement said. “In addition to the loss of nearly 700 jobs, there are other impacts on the community, including contractors, small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Georgetown County Department of Public Administration and Economic Development officials are speaking with IP today (Thursday) to obtain more information and will meet with other local, state and federal officials in various agencies, as well as business partners, to determine how to proceed plan.”

The county also added that new job opportunities will be available soon, but did not provide further details.

The factory, located outside the city limits, produces around 300,000 tons of pulp for a range of products including baby diapers. The mill also produces uncoated freesheet papers for another paper mill company under a contract that expires at the end of the year.

The closure comes as International Paper also announced it is reviewing “strategic options” for its global cellulosic fiber business and is focusing on “sustainable packaging solutions.” International Paper said it generated nearly $3 billion in revenue from the business last year and has operations in three countries.

As for the Georgetown mill, International Paper plans to “retain 100% of the mill's fluff pulp capacity by shifting production to other mills and further reducing the company's reliance on bulk pulp grades,” the release said.

You can read the full press release here.

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