News Summary
Georgia-Pacific has announced the closure of its Cedar Springs Containerboard mill in Blakely, impacting over 500 jobs. The facility has been essential to the local economy for nearly 60 years. State officials are offering support to affected employees, including job placement assistance and workforce development services. The closure is expected to result in significant financial losses for the local community, highlighting the urgent need for economic recovery strategies and job opportunities as the community faces uncertain times ahead.
Blakely, Georgia – Georgia-Pacific to Close Cedar Springs Containerboard Mill, Impacting Over 500 Jobs
Georgia-Pacific announced it will close its Cedar Springs Containerboard mill later this year, resulting in the elimination of more than 500 jobs. The mill, located in Blakely, has been a staple of the local economy for nearly 60 years and has played a significant role in supporting the community.
State officials have pledged their support to the employees affected by the closure. This includes assistance in finding new job opportunities and resources for transitioning into other employment. Discussions about future job opportunities and plans for economic development have already begun with key state leaders.
Impact on Local Economy
The Cedar Springs plant employs around 530 people, with many employees commuting from as far as Tallahassee and Port St. Joe. Its closure is expected to lead to a loss of approximately $4-5 million in sales and use tax and between $1.75-1.8 million in property taxes. These figures illustrate the plant’s importance, as it constitutes about 40% of Early County’s tax base.
In addition to statewide officials, the Georgia Department of Labor is stepping in to provide impacted workers with access to unemployment benefits and workforce development services. A task force is to be activated as a collaborative effort to connect former employees with available resources and employment opportunities during this transition period.
Georgia-Pacific’s Role and Sustainability Efforts
Georgia-Pacific operates a total of 15 facilities in Georgia and employs around 7,160 people directly while supporting an additional 21,810 indirect jobs. The firm has made substantial capital investments in the state, totaling $2.6 billion since 2011. The Cedar Springs facility specializes in producing various paperboard goods, including the popular “Dixie” brand plates and cups.
The company emphasizes its dedication to environmental sustainability by integrating responsible recycling practices and sustainable forestry techniques into its operations. The Cedar Springs plant has also been active in supporting the local community through contributions to events and programs, such as collaboration with the county museum and the Early County Board of Education.
Next Steps for Affected Workers
State Representative Gerald Greene highlighted the urgency of helping employees navigate this transition by providing them with relevant resources and job opportunities. The Georgia Speaker of the House Jon Burns and Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes have joined in the efforts to ensure that affected workers receive necessary support promptly.
As discussions continue with Governor Brian Kemp and Lt. Governor Burt Jones about future job prospects and economic recovery strategies, the local community is left to grapple with the potential economic fallout from this significant closure.
With the Cedar Springs mill scheduled to shut down, the local economy faces an uncertain future as its contributions to tax revenues and employment are lost. The actions by state officials and the labor department will be crucial in softening the blow and providing the impacted workforce with the support they need during this difficult time.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WALB News: State Officials Pledge Support to Affected Georgia-Pacific Employees
- Wikipedia: Georgia-Pacific
- Early County News: Georgia-Pacific Continues to Invest
- Google Search: Georgia-Pacific closure
- ADM: Join Our Team
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Employee Benefits
- Columbia County Spotlight: Union Accuses Georgia-Pacific of Unfair Labor Practices
- Google News: Georgia-Pacific employees
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
