International Paper closes its Georgetown paper mill | Georgetown SC Business News

GEORGETOWN – International Paper announced plans Oct. 31 to close its 88-year-old paper mill in Georgetown by the end of the year, eliminating the jobs of nearly 700 workers.

According to a press release from IP, the closure will affect 526 hourly workers and 148 salaried employees.

“This decision is particularly difficult because of the impact on hard-working employees, their families and the surrounding communities,” factory manager Bernie Chascin said in the announcement, which noted that the company plans to provide severance pay, outplacement services and access to affected workers to offer psychiatric services.

Georgetown County spokeswoman Jackie Broach said in an email that “the loss is devastating” and the impact will extend to small businesses, contractors and nonprofits.

She said county economic development staff would speak with business representatives today to gather more information and would also meet with state and local politicians “to plan the way forward.”

“There will be new job opportunities in the near future and we must coordinate our efforts to best serve our community,” Broach said.

The mill completely transformed Georgetown's economy when it was built in 1936. Georgetown has historically relied on the lumber industry. Over the decades, hundreds of people worked in the paper mill, box mill, lumber yard and forestry department.

Many others worked for private loggers, tree farm owners, and in other forest-related businesses. IP was considered a major economic driver for Georgetown and surrounding counties.

“International Paper has been an integral part of our community for decades, playing a large role in our local economy and supporting our community,” Georgetown Mayor Carol Jayroe said in a statement. “The closure of the plant is unfortunate as it has had a positive impact on Georgetown over the years. Our condolences go out to those affected by this closure.”

This is a developing story and will be updated.