The Georgetown, SC paper mill is closing. Hundreds of workers will lose their jobs
Georgetown is losing one of its notable heavy industry facilities.
International Paper announced that its Georgetown, S.C. pulp and paper mill location will shut down, according to an Oct. 31 press release from the company. International Paper added that the plant will close in stages and should completely close by the end of 2024.
The press release added the plant currently employs 678 salaried and hourly workers.
“This decision is especially difficult because of the impact on hard-working employees, their families and the surrounding communities,” Georgetown Mill Manager Bernie Chascin said.
In an email statement, Georgetown County Public Information Officer Jackie Broach said the county was saddened to learn about the closure and that “the loss is devastating.”
“The Georgetown County Administrator and Economic Development staff is talking with IP today to get more information and will be meeting with other officials at the local, regional and state levels in various agencies, along with business partners to plan the way forward,” Broach added. “There will be new employment opportunities coming in the near future and we need to coordinate efforts to best serve our community.”
Broach also said that the mill will run through the middle of December 2024 and that ongoing activities will continue through 2025. She added that the box plant will continue to run and operate.
The paper mill is at 700 South Kaminski St. in Georgetown. According to the Georgetown County Digital Library, the mill opened in 1937.
This story was originally published October 31, 2024 at 9:35 AM.
