News Summary
Georgia-Pacific has announced the permanent closure of its containerboard manufacturing mill in Cedar Springs, affecting over 500 employees. While a specific closing date has not been confirmed, most job eliminations are expected by August 1. The U.S. Department of Labor is responding with a $1.8 million grant to support displaced workers through retraining and employment services. The closure presents significant challenges for both the impacted employees and the local economy, prompting efforts from various community leaders to address the situation and mitigate economic fallout.
Cedar Springs, Georgia – In a significant economic development, Georgia-Pacific, LLC has announced the permanent closure of its containerboard manufacturing mill in Cedar Springs, which is set to impact over 500 employees. While the official closing date is yet to be confirmed, the majority of job eliminations are anticipated to occur by August 1.
The decision to close the mill was based on Georgia-Pacific’s evaluation that the facility could not competitively serve customers in the long term. This closure marks a considerable loss for the local economy, presenting challenges for both the employees directly affected and the surrounding community.
In response to the impending job losses, the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded a $1.8 million Employment Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) aimed at supporting those impacted by the mill’s closure. The grant will be administered by WorkSource Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), focusing on reemployment and retraining services for displaced workers.
The funds are designed to bolster local economies following large layoffs and will be distributed through WorkSource Southwest Georgia, specifically targeting the displaced workforce in the region. Participants in the program can expect personalized education and training services, career counseling, and pathways into high-demand industries.
An array of support services will be available, including potential work-based learning opportunities, like apprenticeships, which aim to prepare workers for re-entry into the job market. Individuals affected by the closure must reside in designated counties within Southwest Georgia, including Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, and Worth.
To facilitate access to these services, WorkSource Georgia has offices in key locations such as Albany, Thomasville, and Moultrie, where individuals can inquire about and apply for support. The focus of the grant funding will be on services that help with retraining and career counseling, providing resources necessary for the transitioning workforce.
Aside from direct employees impacted by the mill’s closure, those indirectly impacted will also have access to the support services funded by this grant. As employees transition out, they will receive severance packages along with continued pay and benefits through August 1, 2025, as stipulated by law.
In addition to the grant funding, Georgia-Pacific is planning to conduct job fairs and placement services to assist employees in finding new opportunities, whether within the company or via external resources. These initiatives aim to ease the burden on those affected and help them secure future employment.
The Early County Commission is also cognizant of the community’s concerns regarding the mill’s closure and is taking steps to mitigate economic impacts and costs. The commission’s chairman has stressed the importance of a unified community response to effectively address the challenges posed by this job loss.
Local state representative concerns have been noted regarding the closure, emphasizing the uncertainty of the situation and the next steps for both employees and the community at large. Discussions among local leaders about managing the county’s budget in light of these job losses, including potential cost freezes, have also been initiated to navigate the financial implications of the mill’s closure.
This development represents a critical juncture for Cedar Springs as the community weighs the immediate effects of the job losses and the longer-term economic outlook for the area.
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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.
