Greif Closes Two Facilities, Cuts 140 Jobs in MA, GA

Greif, a leader in industrial packaging, has announced the permanent closure of its Number 1 Paperboard Machine (A1) in Austell, Georgia, and the containerboard and uncoated recycled paperboard mill in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. This decision will impact approximately 140 jobs, with 70 positions affected at each site. The closures are attributed to rising operational costs and declining demand in key markets, including furniture, books, and binders. As a result, Greif's containerboard capacity will decrease by 100,000 tons, and its uncoated recycled paperboard capacity will diminish by 90,000 tons. The company plans to assist affected employees with severance benefits and outplacement services, while transferring customer business to other facilities. Production is expected to cease at the Austell facility by the end of March 2025 and at Fitchburg by May 2025.