Georgia-Pacific Closing Virginia Plywood Facility

The big building materials company is blaming the slow housing market for the decision to close the plant this summer.

The Emporia, VA plant, which employed 550 people, is scheduled to permanently close on July 1, Georgia-Pacific said, noting that “normal operations” have already ceased. The company says it will provide all affected employees with at least 60 days’ pay with benefits in accordance with federal regulations.

According to published reports, Georgia-Pacific “says housing affordability challenges and a 30-year low in existing home sales are affecting its plywood business, as many of the company’s plywood products are used in repair and remodel projects that often occur when homes change ownership.”

It said that by closing the facility and reducing capacity, the company would be able “to align with current demand.” Georgia Pacific has not announced its plans on what it will do with the facility and property in Emporia, about an hour south of Richmond. No other plant or facility closings have been announced by Georgia Pacific, which continues to operate 40 plants and 11 mills.

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