International Paper Announces Closure of Georgetown, South Carolina Plant

International Paper, a global leader in sustainable fiber-based packaging and paper solutions, today announced the permanent closure of its Georgetown, South Carolina container plant, as part of a strategic review of its North American operations.

The decision follows an in-depth assessment of the facility’s long-term role in the company’s manufacturing footprint. While the Georgetown plant has been an integral part of International Paper’s operations for many years, evolving market conditions and strategic priorities have led the company to this difficult conclusion.

Closure Timeline and Employee Impact
The Georgetown facility will cease operations by December 31, 2026, with workforce reductions scheduled to occur between May 1 and year’s end. A total of 126 employees at the site will be impacted by the closure. The company affirmed its commitment to assisting affected team members with transition support during this period.

Strategic Company Context
This announcement builds on a series of recent changes in International Paper’s operations in the region. In late 2024, the company closed its pulp and paper mill in Georgetown, resulting in significant workforce impacts, as part of broader efforts to streamline operations and reduce complexity. Additional strategic moves included the sale of its global cellulose fibers business in 2025.

International Paper continues to explore opportunities to strengthen its portfolio and focus investment on areas of highest value creation for customers and shareholders. The Georgetown closure is one element of a wider restructuring plan that includes changes to the company’s global manufacturing footprint.