G-P to Shutter Augusta, Ga., Tissue Mill

Georgia-Pacific, Atlanta, Ga., USA, this past week announced that its Augusta, Ga., tissue mill, formerly known as Augusta Select Tissue, will cease operations by the end of June 2018. The decision was made in response to increased competition in the industry and performance improvements at other facilities. Georgia-Pacific acquired the mill in 2014 as part of the SPG deal.

Fifty-five employees will be impacted by the mill's closure. During the past week, a team held a meeting with mill employees to discuss employment opportunities at other Georgia-Pacific facilities in the area and benefits that will be made available to those who do not find new positions within the company. Employees will continue to be paid through June 29.

"We know this is a difficult time for the employees at the Augusta mill and their families," said Rob Shaw, VP of manufacturing who has oversight for the Augusta tissue facility. "This decision is not a reflection on their efforts to operate safely and productively. Our commitment is to work with employees to find ways to minimize the difficulty as best we can. That includes working with state and local employment agencies that can also support these employees."

Some mill employees will remain on site to manage the safe and orderly shutdown of the facility. The company plans to move some equipment to other facilities, but some equipment that can't be relocated, such as the plant's paper machine, will be sold for scrap. The property will eventually be sold.

Closing of this mill will not affect the Augusta Corrugated plant.

TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/