Greif, a global leader in industrial packaging products, announced the permanent closure of two facilities in the U.S., impacting approximately 140 jobs.
The company will cease production at the Number 1 Paperboard Machine (A1) in Austell, GA, and close its containerboard and uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) mill in Fitchburg, MA.
The decision, which comes as a result of declining demand and increased operational costs, will reduce Greif’s containerboard capacity by 100,000 tons and URB capacity by 90,000 tons. The closure of the Fitchburg mill is due to the high operating costs and the need for significant capital investment.
Greif President and CEO Ole Rosgaard expressed the company’s gratitude to impacted employees and committed to providing severance and outplacement support. Production at the A1 asset will cease by the end of March 2025, and the Fitchburg mill will close by May 2025.
“These strategic actions will refine our participation in the market and help maximize the profitability of our mill network and overall business portfolio,” said Rosgaard.
Greif’s global operations, spanning over 250 facilities in 37 countries, continue to focus on providing industrial packaging solutions to a wide range of industries.