Georgetown, S.C. - International Paper announced that it will permanently close its pulp and paper mill located in Georgetown, South Carolina by the end of this year.

According to the company, Georgetown mill produces 300,000 tons of fluff pulp, which is used in baby diapers and incontinence products. Following the closure, 100% of the mill’s fluff pulp will be transferred to its other facilities across the United States.

“This decision is especially difficult because of the impact on hard-working employees, their families and the surrounding communities,” said Bernie Chascin, Georgetown mill manager, International Paper.

The company says that 526 hourly employees and 158 salaried employees will be impacted by the total closure of the mill. All employees will be offered severance benefits, outplacement services, and access to mental health resources. 

Georgetown County shared a statement on its Facebook page saying quote,  “Georgetown County was saddened to learn this morning that International Paper will close it’s mill in Georgetown this year. The Georgetown County Administrator and Economic Development staff are talking with IP today to get more information and will be meeting with other officials at the local, regional and state levels in various agencies, along with business partners to plan the way forward. There will be new employment opportunities coming in the near future and we need to coordinate efforts to best serve our community.”