"These decisions are especially difficult because of the impact to long-serving and hard-working employees, their families and the surrounding communities," said International Paper Chairman and CEO, John Faraci. "This decision to permanently close capacity is primarily being driven by demand decline for uncoated freesheet paper products in the United States."
The Courtland Mill produces papers for forms, envelopes, labels, copiers, printers and magazines. The demand for uncoated freesheet in North America has been in decline since 1999 and has recently accelerated as consumers continue to switch to electronic alternatives such as online publications and electronic billing and filing.
International Paper is committed to helping the 1,100 employees impacted by the closure. The company will work closely with union officials concerning benefits and other assistance programs for impacted hourly employees. Salaried employees impacted by these machine shutdowns will be eligible for severance packages and outplacement assistance consistent with company policy. Employee assistance providers will be available to support employee and family needs.
International Paper's Printing and Communications Papers Business will consist of four paper mills focused on uncoated freesheet, bristols and specialty papers markets:
- Two uncoated freesheet paper mills, Eastover, S.C. and Riverdale, Ala.
- Two specialty paper mills, Georgetown, S.C. and Ticonderoga, N.Y.
The company's fluff pulp business is not impacted by this announcement.
The company estimates that the mill closure will result in pre-tax noncash asset write-off and accelerated depreciation charges of approximately $550 million and pre-tax cash severance and other shutdown charges of approximately $125 million to be recorded during the remainder of 2013 and in 2014.