Several entities are coming together to help in the wake of a longtime mill’s closure.

International Paper announced Thursday it will close the Riceboro containerboard mill and Riceboro Timber and Lumber.

International Paper bought DS Smith, which was operating the Riceboro mill, in 2024. DS Smith acquired the mill, which began operating in 1968, in 2017.

The mill has employed generations of families, Liberty County Commissioner Marion Stevens said. The mill is in his district, and he worked there for 34 years. His grandson is a mill employee now.

“There is a lot of family tradition out there that is going to be lost,” Stevens said. “It’s going to hurt Liberty County. It’s going to hurt the families.”

The company also announced the closure of the Savannah containerboard mill and the Savannah packaging facility.

“The announcement that the paper mills in Liberty County and Chatham County will close is difficult news for our community, for our region,” said state Rep. Al Williams, who also is chairman of the Liberty County Development Authority. “My first concern is for the people whose livelihoods are affected, men and women who have given years of hard work and loyalty to these operations.”

These changes will impact approximately 1,100 hourly and salaried positions. International will offer severance packages, along with outplacement assistance for eligible employees, to support them during this transition.

Brynn Grant, CEO of the LCDA, said the authority is moving immediately to support impacted workers and local businesses in every way it can.

“The Riceboro mill’s workforce has proven their dedication and resilience over decades,” she said. “Most recently, they kept the plant running through the 2025 ice storm and numerous other challenges that completely stopped operations elsewhere.

Their loyalty, skill, and commitment are commendable, and we extend our deepest respect. We know there are many opportunities for manufacturing related employment in the region and we will be working to help make those connections.”

Grant said the LCDA will do its best to coordinate with International Paper leadership to understand the timeline and transition plan and will partner with the state Department of Labor, WorkSource Coastal, the state Department of Economic Development, Savannah Technical College, Georgia Southern University’s Liberty campus, the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Riceboro, Liberty County, the Regional Industry Support Enterprise and others to stand up support services and programs. These will include job fairs with area employers, resume and re-employment support, and opportunities for short-term training and upskilling.

The mill employed about 250 people and the timber operations at Riceboro employed about 90.

“We understand how deeply these decisions affect our employees, their loved ones, and the surrounding communities,” said Tom Hamic, executive vice president and president of International Paper’s North America Packaging Solutions business. “We are committed to supporting both our employees and customers as we navigate this transition.

“While difficult, these decisions are essential to positioning International Paper for long-term success, enabling us to focus on the geographies, customers, and products where we can create the most value,” Hamic added. “Our investment in the Riverdale mill reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable service while strengthening our advantaged cost position.”

“Our LCDA team started conversations with mill management here in Liberty as soon as the International Paper acquisition of DS Smith was announced and with the approval of our board, offered strong incentives for International Paper to stay and invest here,” Williams said. “I know the company has not made this decision lightly though we had been working and hoping for a different outcome.

“I love Liberty County. It has been my home my entire life, and I am proud to be from here. We have faced hardship before and come through it by pulling together. We will do so again, with urgency, compassion, and a clear focus on helping every affected family land on their feet.”

Grant added that as plans for the site become clearer, the LCDA will work to ensure a responsible transition that could position the property for future investment and quality jobs.

“I am deeply disappointed to hear this morning’s news regarding International Paper’s plant closures in Savannah and Riceboro,” said state Speaker of the House Jon Burns. “As a fifth-generation timber farmer myself, I understand firsthand the challenges of facing changing markets and economic instability. These mill closures will undoubtedly deal a devastating blow not only to Georgia’s timber industry, but to the economic fabric of the entire Southeast Georgia region.”

Speaker Burns said the entire House delegation will work with state leaders, federal partners and timber producers to “navigate this difficult transition, secure new employment opportunities for the hundreds of citizens impacted by the closures and safeguard the long-term strength and viability of Georgia’s timber industry.”

Job fairs already are being scheduled to help the affected employees, including one to be held September 10 from 4:307:30 p.m. at the Riceboro Youth Center.

Stevens recalled getting off work from the mill and being mindful of what the next stop was.

“You didn’t walk into the grocery store, because the smell would be in your clothes,” he said.

Whenever he was out and about before going home from the mill and got a look because of the mill’s odor still in his clothes, Stevens had a quick retort.

“The smell was money,” he said.

The mill and the timber operations shutting down will have a trickle down effect on the economy and the community, Stevens said.

Stevens, who retired from the mill in 2014, recalled former commission chairman and Riceboro mayor John McIver was one of the first employees, as were two of McIver’s brothers. One of the McIvers had his son and grandson follow him to work at the mill, Stevens said. Some employees have been with the company for 50 years or more, the longtime commissioner added.

“They started when Bill Verross was out there,” he said, “and were there through D.S. Smith to International Paper. These were dedicated employees.”

Stevens said he hopes the current company will offer the employees a good separation package.

“I hope the company will come in and take care of the families,” he said.