MEMPHIS, Tenn. (News release) -- Georgia-Pacific announced Oct. 16 that the company will permanently close the Memphis Cellulose mill and the Memphis Technology and Innovation Center.

This decision impacts approximately 130 employees at the cellulose mill, and 22 employees at the Technology and Innovation Center. It is our expectation that most positions at the mill and technology center will be eliminated by early December.

Georgia-Pacific's focus in the coming weeks and months is to continue to safely operate while supporting our employees during the transition. The company will work with affected employees who are interested in transitions to other opportunities within the company, other Koch companies or opportunities outside of the company. Georgia-Pacific is committed to supporting employees in finding employment through job fairs and placement services or other available resources.

The company will be working cooperatively with local union leadership to begin bargaining the effects of this decision, as written in the contract. The state of Tennessee will determine unemployment benefits, and Georgia-Pacific will cooperate with that process. The company will ensure that all employees are paid all earned wages and agreed upon benefits at the time of their discharge.

This decision is in the best interest of the GP Cellulose business and is not a reflection on the quality of work of the Memphis team. This decision was influenced by various factors, including challenging market conditions for the facility's products.

Georgia-Pacific considered all available options, including selling the mill. It is our intent to leave the mill and other facilities in a sellable condition for some time should there be an interested buyer following this announcement.

Our focus is to continue to safely operate while supporting our employees during this transition and working with customers to finalize commitments.