Layoffs At Georgia Pacific Plant

More than 100 workers were told the Georgia Pacific Plant would be closing its doors for at least six months.

Monday, June 9th 2008, 5:17 pm

By: News On 6

One hundred people are out jobs after a Mayes County paper plant closes. Georgia Pacific announced on Monday, for now, it's shutting down its plant in Pryor. News On 6's Chris Wright reports the Georgia Pacific plant has been a Pryor institution since the 1950's. Locals say the loss of these jobs is extremely personal.

By Monday afternoon, much of the Georgia Pacific plant was already vacant. At least 100 workers were given pink slips in the morning, a fact that is hard to believe for many at a facility that's been operating for more than 50 years.

"We're pretty big here, but we lose one hundred or something jobs here," said Andy Wolard with Georgia Pacific.

Georgia Pacific makes paper that is used in wallboards. With a slowing economy affecting the construction industry, demand for its product is down. But, if business gets better, the plant could eventually open again.

Company officials say this plant is technically not shutting down, but idling. That means there is the chance that the 100 workers will get their jobs back, but the company is not saying when or if that will happen."

"It's a tough day for the city and the county," said Jimmy Tramel, Pryor Mayor.

Like many in Pryor, Mayor Jimmy Tramel has an affinity for the plant. During college he spent his summers working there, and it was the only job his father ever had.

"A lot of the kids, their dads worked there. They're working out there now. It hit home and it's extremely personal," said Tramel.

The layoffs also fly in the face of a recent trend in Pryor. The Mid-America Industrial Park has experienced unprecedented prosperity. Both Gatorade and Google have opened plants here. So, Mayor Tramel hopes this announcement is nothing more than a hiccup.

"We'll go forward. We're not going to let it stop us. We're going to continue to grow, to continue to help these people, and to bring some other plants to the area," said Tramel.

Georgia Pacific says this was an extremely difficult decision. Two-thirds of the layoffs are effective immediately. One-third of the employees will remain on for a while to finish shipping orders that have already been placed.