MICHIGAN (From news reports) -- Georgia-Pacific announced on May 6, 2024, to its employees at the Milan corrugated plant that the facility will permanently close by July 6. During the next 60 days, operations will continue at the plant before a safe and orderly shutdown begins.

"We appreciate all the work our employees have done through the years to make this plant safe and productive," the company said 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."

The closure will impact approximately 119 jobs at the facility. To support affected employees, Georgia-Pacific is working to identify potential job opportunities within the company and its parent organization, Koch Industries. Additionally, they will facilitate access to job fairs and employment opportunities beyond the organization. Hourly employees, represented by the United Steelworkers, will soon begin negotiations regarding the effects of this decision per 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," stated the company.

Georgia-Pacific is one of the nation's leading corrugated box manufacturers. The company has 77 locations in 30 U.S. states and other countries. Georgia-Pacific's three Michigan locations are Albion, Owosso, and Milan. The 119 jobs impacted by the Milan closing are more than half its Michigan workforce.