Marina
On May 2, 2025, Georgia-Pacific abruptly ceased operations at its Emporia, Virginia plywood plant, resulting in the immediate layoff of over 550 employees.
The company cited declining demand in the plywood market, attributing it to a sluggish housing sector and affordability challenges.
The plant, a significant employer in the region since the late 1960s, is scheduled for permanent closure on July 1, 2025.
In compliance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, affected employees will receive 60 days of pay and benefits.
Community Leaders Respond with Support
In the wake of the closure, Emporia city officials convened an emergency meeting on May 6, 2025, to address the crisis. City Manager William Johnson III expressed solidarity with the affected workers, stating, “We are praying for you, and we are doing everything in our power to assist you in your transition.”
The meeting, held in collaboration with Virginia Career Works, aimed to provide resources such as resume assistance and information on medical care options.
Additionally, a job fair is scheduled for May 8, 2025, at Golden Leaf Commons, featuring 30 companies seeking to hire displaced workers.
Employee Reactions and Concerns
The suddenness of the closure left many employees shocked and questioning the company’s rationale. Lashonda Hinton, a recently hired worker, remarked, “The panels we made, they were selling out… and we just hired a bunch of new people—think like, 25 or more, less than two weeks ago.”
Another employee, Jason Pollick, expressed concerns about the broader impact on the community, noting that the loss of major employers like Georgia-Pacific and Boar’s Head could “cripple” Emporia.
State and Federal Assistance Initiatives
Virginia’s Secretary of Labor, Bryan Slater, confirmed that the state’s Rapid Response team is coordinating with local officials and organizations to provide support.
This includes job training opportunities, unemployment assistance, and efforts to attract new employers to the area.
U.S. Representative Jennifer McClellan also addressed the situation, emphasizing her office’s commitment to assisting affected families and ensuring access to necessary resources during this challenging time.
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Closure Announcement Date | May 2, 2025 |
| Effective Closure Date | July 1, 2025 |
| Employees Affected | Over 550 |
| Reason for Closure | Declining plywood demand due to housing market slowdown |
| Support Measures | 60 days of pay and benefits; job fair on May 8, 2025 |
| Job Fair Location | Golden Leaf Commons, Emporia, VA |
| Companies Participating | 30 |
The closure of Georgia-Pacific’s Emporia plant marks a significant economic setback for the community. However, the swift response from city leaders, state agencies, and support organizations demonstrates a collective commitment to aiding affected workers.
Through coordinated efforts, there is hope for mitigating the impact and paving the way for new employment opportunities in the region.