Augusta’s Georgia-Pacific tissue mill to close
The Georgia-Pacific tissue mill on Cookie Road has ceased its tissue production and will permanently close in the coming weeks. The mill was acquired by Georgia-Pacific from SPG in 2014.
The decision comes after “the increased competition in the tissue business.” According to Public Affairs Manager Carrie Thompson, the plant made away-from-home products for restaurants and sports venues. The closure does not impact Georgia-Pacific’s Augusta corrugated plant on Doug Barnard Parkway.
The 55 mployees at the tissue mill will continue to be paid until June 29 and some will remain on site in the coming weeks to manage the shutdown of the facility. The exact date of the closure is unknown at this time. “That’s something we will have to evaluate,” Thompson said.
Georgia-Pacific representatives will meet with the 55 employees to discuss job options at their other facilities and offer benefits to those who are unable to find another positions with the company.
“We know this is a difficult time for the employees at the Augusta mill and their families,” Rob Shaw, vice president of manufacturing, said. “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.”
The tissue mill’s working equipment will be relocated to other Georgia-Pacific facilities. Equipment too large to move will be dismantled and sold. The property will also be sold.
