The shutdown of International Paper’s facilities in Savannah and Riceboro has had a significant impact on Georgia’s timber industry, leaving suppliers struggling to cope.
Pierce Timber Company said about 20% of its business depended on the mills.
“It was complete shock,” said Brian Peacock, area manager for Pierce Timber. He said the loss means fewer loads for both loggers and truckers.
“We’ve had to lay off crews, which not only affects them but also impacts truck drivers. Each crew usually operates five or six trucks, meaning we’ve lost about 15 to 20 trucks,” explained Chad Nimmer, a procurement forester with Pierce Timber.
The shutdown comes at a time when mills across Georgia were already at capacity.
Nimmer added, “The market is already oversaturated, so there’s no room to increase production in the facilities still operating.”
Without those buyers, rural communities that rely on the timber economy from gas stations to small-town diners are also feeling the strain.
He warned that without finding new uses for wood in the future, more job cuts and further strains on the labor market in rural Georgia are likely.
State officials are trying to mitigate the situation. Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper mentioned that Georgia is exploring innovative ways to market its wood products.
“We are committed, alongside state leaders, to discovering solutions that will sustain our forestry industry and open up new opportunities,” Harper stated.
Georgia’s timber industry contributes billions of dollars to the state economy and supports tens of thousands of jobs, according to state forestry officials.
Georgia Pacific announced the closure of their Cedar Springs facility earlier this year. Furthermore, dozens of companies are still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
Despite the uncertainty, Peacock and Nimmer said Georgia still has the workforce, infrastructure and supply to keep the industry alive.
