Over 550 employees jobless after Georgia-Pacific announces closure of Emporia plant

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Georgia-Pacific has announced in a statement Friday, May 2, that on July 1, it will permanently close its plant in Emporia, impacting over 500 jobs.

The Georgia based company says normal operations at the Emporia Plywood mill plant ceased Friday, and that approximately 550 jobs will be impacted. The company also says, "Georgia-Pacific will provide all affected employees with at least 60 days’ pay with benefits in accordance with WARN."

According to the statement, the closure comes after housing affordability challenges, and a 30-year low in existing home sales that are impacting the plywood business.

Plywood products are used during different projects like repair and remodeling, which occurs when homes change ownership, and to align with the current demand, the company says their reducing their production capacity.

The plant is one of only four in Virginia and the only one in Central Virginia.

After the announcement local state leaders have given their reaction to the plants shut down, and how they plan to help those impacted.

Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan released a statement on Facebook stating, "Today 554 employees went to work at the Georgia-Pacific Emporia Plywood Mill only to receive word that they are laid off, some effective immediately."

"My heart goes out to every family who now faces increased anxiety and potential hardship because of these layoff...," McClellan continued.

She is encouraging families impacted to reach out to her office so they can help those families navigate resources they may need. McClellan also says her office remains in contact with Georgia Pacific to ensure they have access to job placement resources and support agencies.

Virginia Delegate Otto Wachsmann released a joint statement with Senator Emily Jordan stating, "Today's news from Georgia Pacific is truly unfortunate for Emporia and our surrounding communities, especially for the employees our prayers are with you and your families."

Both Wachsmann and Jordan say they have contacted Governor Youngkin as well as several other departments and will be pursuing every avenue for assistance and stand ready to help each employee impacted.

The city has announced in a statement on Facebook that "City staff will be working with Georgia Pacific officials, state agencies, and other local agencies to ensure that the employment opportunities are readily available to all employees who have lost their jobs."

Emporia City Manager William Johnson says in the statement "While the closure is a major loss to the community, the city will remain steadfast in its plans for economic growth."

In a joint statement made by Commissioner Nicole Overley and crater Region Workforce Board Director Tabitha Taylor they say, " Virginia Works and Virginia Career Works along with our partners at the Virginia Employment Commission are deploying Rapid Response Team resources for impacted workers effective Monday, May 5th..."

A city council meeting is set to occur Tuesday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. at 201 South Main Street.

To read the full statement from the city of Emporia you can visit their Facebook page. As this story develops stay with 8News for more information.