Georgia-Pacific to close Illinois corrugated plant

Last week, Georgia-Pacific announced plans to permanently close its corrugated packaging manufacturing facility in Mt. Olive, Illinois, marking the Atlanta-based packaging company's operational exit from the state.

According to GP, the facility will continue to operate for the next 60 days ahead of its closure Dec. 31.

“We appreciate all the work our employees have done through the years to make this plant safe and productive,” the company says in a statement. “The decision to close the plant is not a reflection of their work but rather based on our ability to be competitive at this location in the long-term.”

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About 134 jobs will be impacted by the closure, and GP says it is working to support those workers with potential opportunities within GP and other Koch companies or connecting with job fairs and opportunities for employment outside the company.

Hourly employees are represented by the United Steelworkers and will soon begin bargaining the effects of the closure as spelled out in the current contract.

“Our focus over the next two months is to continue to safely operate the plant while supporting our employees during the transition,” GP says. “We will make decisions about the property once we have completely exited the building.”