Nov 27, 2008. /Lesprom.com/. This will be a tough holiday season for nearly 500 blue-collar workers along Florida’s Gulf coast. The Smurfit-Stone Paper Mill in Panama City temporarily ceased operations, Wtvy news reported. A company spokesman says due to the poor economy, the plant will be closed for several weeks until early January. The Irish-based corporation makes corrugated paper which is used in the packaging of electronic products like televisions and personal computers. Those who've been laid-off are expected to file for unemployment. Several unions representing workers at the plant will also help in meeting the needs of its members through Christmas.