Statesville Community Faces Job Losses Before the Holidays as International Paper Plant Closes

Statesville Community Faces Job Losses Before the Holidays

It’s a tough time for the hardworking folks in Statesville, North Carolina, as many are dealing with unexpected news just before the holiday season. International Paper Co. recently announced the closure of its container plant located at 930 Meacham Road, which is set to take place on December 16. This decision, as detailed in the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) received by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, will sadly put 74 employees out of work.

A Sense of Community Impact

For many employees, this plant has been more than just a workplace; it has been a significant part of their lives. The layoffs will affect a variety of roles, ranging from press operators and maintenance workers to administrative staff and management positions. It’s heartbreaking to think of so many workers coming together during what is typically a joyful time of year only to be faced with the challenge of finding new employment.

International Paper: A Brief Background

International Paper, which has its roots in Memphis, Tennessee, stands out as a global player in the manufacturing of sustainable packaging, pulp, and other fiber-based products. With a workforce of around 39,000 employees worldwide, the company has substantial operations across North America, Europe, Latin America, and North Africa. Despite the impending closure in Statesville, it’s worth noting that the company has other facilities in the Carolinas, including container plants in Newton and Charlotte, which might offer some hope for laid-off workers looking for new opportunities.

Job Opportunities and Support

According to Jim Macomson, the regional human resources manager, all affected employees will have the option to apply for positions at other International Paper facilities. This is a small silver lining for those who are looking to stay within the company and continue their careers. Moreover, a separate offsite warehouse located at 2360 Northside Drive in Statesville that supports the plant will remain open and unaffected by this closure.

Wider Industry Changes

This closure is not an isolated incident; it falls in line with a broader trend affecting the manufacturing industry. Packaging Dive reported that International Paper is not only closing the Statesville plant but also shutting down three additional facilities across Illinois, Missouri, and Tennessee. Additionally, 650 jobs are being cut at its headquarters and manufacturing site in Texas as part of what the company describes as a “transformational journey” aimed at enhancing profitability.

Similar Closures in the Region

The Charlotte region has seen several packaging companies close their doors in the past year. Earlier in March, Graphic Packaging International, which is based in Atlanta, shut down its plant at 800 Westinghouse Blvd., resulting in 112 layoffs. Just last December, Hood Container, another Atlanta-based company, closed its site in Matthews, cutting 88 jobs. Such trends highlight the challenges facing the regional economy as well as the broader implications for the packaging industry.

A Hopeful Future

As the holidays approach, the residents of Statesville remain hopeful. The local community is known for its resilience, and with support from various local agencies and potential job opportunities, many workers are determined to navigate through this tough situation. While it’s never easy to face job loss, the spirit of togetherness and support within this small city could make a significant difference in helping folks move forward during these challenging times.