Georgia-Pacific Announces Permanent Closure of Memphis Cellulose Mill
Paper Recycling | 2025-10-21 12:08:40
Georgia-Pacific stated that the decision is in the best interest of the GP Cellulose business.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Atlanta, Georgia — Paper and pulp manufacturer Georgia-Pacific has announced plans to permanently close its Memphis Cellulose mill and the Memphis Technology and Innovation Center. The company said the decision follows an extensive review of all available options, including the potential sale of the facility.
According to the company, the closure was driven by challenging market conditions impacting the mill’s products and overall business environment. Georgia-Pacific stated that the move aligns with the long-term strategic interests of its GP Cellulose division.
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The shutdown will affect approximately 130 employees at the cellulose mill and 22 employees at the Technology and Innovation Center. Most positions are expected to be eliminated by early December 2025. However, the mill and related facilities will be maintained in a sellable condition for a period, in case an interested buyer emerges.
Georgia-Pacific emphasized that it remains committed to supporting affected employees during the transition, offering assistance through job fairs, placement services, and opportunities within other parts of the company. The firm will also continue to operate the mill safely during the winding-down process.
The closure marks a significant operational shift for Georgia-Pacific as it continues to optimize its manufacturing network amid evolving market dynamics in the paper and pulp industry.
POLL
What do you think will be the biggest impact of this closure?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many employees will be affected by the closures?
Approximately 152 employees will be affected—130 at the cellulose mill and 22 at the Technology and Innovation Center. Most positions will be eliminated by early December 2025.
- How will Georgia-Pacific support affected employees?
The company will continue safe operations during the transition and provide support to employees, including internal transfer opportunities, job fairs, placement services, and assistance in finding external employment.
- Why did Georgia-Pacific decide to close these facilities?
The decision was driven by challenging market conditions for the mill’s products and is considered to be in the best interest of the GP Cellulose business.
