The Georgetown Pulp and Paper Mill is scheduled to close by the end of 2024, impacting over 670 jobs

GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WCIV) — The Georgetown pulp and paper mill will close by the end of the year, according to a statement from parent company International Paper.

The factory will reportedly close in stages while International Paper looks inward and considers its strategic options for the sale.

A complete closure is expected by the end of 2024.

A total of 526 hourly workers and 148 salaried employees are affected.

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According to the company, the Georgetown plant produces approximately 300,000 tons of pulp designed for a range of consumer applications from baby diapers to incontinence products.

The new global cellulosic fiber plan calls for maintaining 100% of the mill's fluff pulp capacity by shifting production to other mills and further reducing the company's exposure to bulk pulp grades.

The Georgetown Pulp and Paper Mill also produces uncoated freesheet papers, which it sells to Sylvamo pursuant to a contract which International Paper and Sylvamo have mutually agreed to terminate on December 31, 2024.

“This decision is particularly difficult because it impacts hard-working employees, their families and the surrounding communities,” Bernie Chascin, International Paper’s Georgetown mill manager, said in a prepared statement.

All affected employees will be offered severance pay, outplacement services and access to mental health resources to help with the aftermath of the closure.

County public information officer Jackie Broach released the following statement:

Georgetown County was saddened this morning to learn that International Paper will be closing its Georgetown mill this year. IP has been an important corporate citizen here for nearly 90 years, and the loss is devastating. In addition to the loss of nearly 700 jobs, there are other impacts on the community, including contractors, small businesses and nonprofits. Georgetown County Department of Public Administration and Economic Development officials are speaking with IP today to obtain additional information and will meet with other local, state and federal officials in various agencies, as well as business partners, 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.

Following the announcement, Mayor Carol Jayroe also released a statement that read:

International Paper has been an integral part of our community for decades, playing a large role in our local economy and supporting our community. The closure of the mill is unfortunate as it has had a positive impact on Georgetown over the years. Our thoughts are with those affected by this closure.