Marina
On May 2, 2025, Georgia-Pacific announced the immediate closure of its Emporia plywood mill, a facility that had been operational since the late 1960s.
This decision resulted in the loss of over 550 jobs, leaving the small city of Emporia, Virginia, reeling from the economic impact.
The company cited declining demand in the housing market, driven by high home prices and a 30-year low in existing home sales, as the primary reason for the shutdown .
Employees were informed of the closure through meetings and letters, with operations ceasing immediately. However, Georgia-Pacific committed to providing at least 60 days of pay and benefits to the affected workers .
Job Fair: A Beacon of Hope
In response to the mass layoffs, a job fair was organized on May 8, 2025, at Golden Leaf Commons in Emporia. This event aimed to connect displaced workers with potential employers and support services.
Over a dozen agencies and companies participated, offering various employment opportunities and resources to assist attendees in their job search .
Lucas Huff, one of the affected employees, expressed gratitude for the event, stating, “Being here, I think it’s like you get more opportunities and other job opportunities. It’s a good thing they did this for us” .
Community and Government Support
The closure of the mill not only impacted the workers but also posed a significant challenge to the local economy. Virginia’s Secretary of Labor, Bryan Slater, emphasized the state’s commitment to assisting the affected individuals.
He mentioned that the Rapid Response team had been activated to provide job training and placement services.
Additionally, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership is exploring opportunities to attract new businesses to the area, aiming to revitalize the local economy.
Looking Ahead
While the sudden closure of the Georgia-Pacific mill dealt a heavy blow to Emporia, the swift organization of the job fair and the mobilization of support services demonstrate the community’s resilience.
Efforts are underway to ensure that affected workers have access to new employment opportunities and that the local economy can recover from this setback.
Key Information at a Glance
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Announcement | May 2, 2025 |
| Facility | Georgia-Pacific Plywood Mill, Emporia, VA |
| Jobs Lost | Over 550 |
| Reason for Closure | Declining housing market demand |
| Employee Support | 60 days of pay and benefits |
| Job Fair Date | May 8, 2025 |
| Job Fair Location | Golden Leaf Commons, Emporia, VA |
| Participating Employers | Over a dozen agencies and companies |
| State Support | Rapid Response team, Economic Development Partnership initiative |
The closure of the Georgia-Pacific mill in Emporia serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in local economies dependent on single industries.
However, the proactive measures taken by community leaders, state officials, and support organizations highlight the strength and resilience of Emporia’s residents.
Through collective effort and determination, there is hope for a brighter future and renewed economic stability for those affected.