International Paper has announced the permanent closure of its containerboard mill and packaging facility in Savannah, as well as its Riceboro containerboard mill and Riceboro Timber and Lumber. The announcement was made public on August 21, 2025, affecting operations across Southeast Georgia.
House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) addressed the news, stating: “This unexpected announcement was highly disappointing and will undoubtedly have detrimental consequences for not only the 1,100 International Paper employees directly impacted by the closures, but also the entire economy of Southeast Georgia. The Georgia Department of Labor currently estimates that three to four indirect job losses could occur for every direct job lost at the International Paper facilities. These estimates do not account for the countless farmers and timber growers throughout the region who are facing the loss of their livelihoods due to this unforeseen and devastating blow to Georgia’s timber industry. Despite these challenges, the House remains fully committed to providing every possible resource, option, and opportunity for those impacted to move forward and get back on their feet.”
Resources have been listed for affected workers and community members. The Georgia Department of Labor is offering unemployment assistance through its website at https://dol.georgia.gov/get-unemployment-assistance. The Technical College System of Georgia provides rapid response resources available at https://www.tcsg.edu/worksource/rapid-response.
Job fairs are being organized in response to these closures. The Liberty County Job Fair will take place at Riceboro Youth Center on September 10, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Additionally, RISE Savannah Jobpalooza is scheduled at EnMarket Arena in Savannah on September 11 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and September 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with more information available at https://risesavannah.com/jobpalooza/.
Burns has represented Georgia’s 159th House District since his election in 2005, succeeding Ray Holland.
