EMPORIA, Va. — Shock and uncertainty have gripped the city of Emporia following the unexpected announcement that Georgia-Pacific will permanently close its plywood plant, resulting in the layoff of approximately 550 workers.
City officials held an emergency meeting Tuesday morning—the first since the closure was announced on Friday, May 2—to address the crisis and mobilize support for affected employees.
“We are praying for you, and we are doing everything in our power to assist you in your transition,” said Emporia City Manager William Johnson III during the meeting, which was held in partnership with Virginia Career Works.
The company, a major employer in the region, attributed the decision to declining demand for plywood. Executives cited reduced existing home sales and mounting housing affordability challenges as key factors. However, the explanation has drawn skepticism from some former employees, who say the plant was operating at high capacity up until the closure.
“The panels we made, they were selling out,” said Lashonda Hinton, who was among those laid off. “And we just hired a bunch of new people—like 25 or more—less than two weeks ago.”
Johnson acknowledged the emotional and economic toll of the shutdown and said city leaders are limited in what they can do.
“I wish there was something that this body could do in this case, but it’s out of the council’s hands,” he said. “It’s a decision that was made by holders of Georgia-Pacific.”
Despite the limited authority, local officials are working to provide immediate assistance. Tuesday’s meeting offered resources for laid-off workers, including résumé help and medical care information. In addition, a job fair is scheduled for Thursday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Golden Leaf Commons. More than 30 employers are expected to attend.
Georgia-Pacific said employees will continue to receive pay and benefits through the end of June. The plant is set to officially close on July 1.
City leaders say they are committed to helping residents navigate the difficult transition and are exploring additional ways to support displaced workers in the weeks ahead.
