International Paper Closes Savannah, Riceboro Mills Cutting 1,100 Jobs

International Paper announced it will permanently close its containerboard and packaging facilities in Savannah and Riceboro, Georgia, by the end of September 2025, impacting approximately 1,100 hourly and salaried employees. These closures are part of the company's strategic plan to enhance profitability, reduce operational complexity, and focus on growth areas, including a $250 million investment to renovate its Riverdale mill in Alabama. The shutdowns will reduce International Paper's containerboard capacity by about 1.43 million tons and incur significant financial charges, including pre-tax cash and non-cash expenses totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. Local officials expressed concern for the affected workers and committed to supporting the community through the transition, with severance packages and outplacement assistance offered by the company. The Liberty County Development Authority and local partners are coordinating efforts to assist displaced employees and maintain economic stability in the region. These moves reflect International Paper's ongoing transformation to maintain a competitive edge in sustainable packaging markets across North America and EMEA.