A report filed with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development reads:

“International Paper Company has filed an official WARN Notice with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, notifying the agency of a permanent closure. The company is located at 2401 Blue Springs Road, South East, Cleveland, TN 37311. The total number of affected workers is 115.

The company stated, “The plan is that the machines and associated operations will permanently shut down by the middle of December 2024. The first employees will begin terminating employment on or about December 16, 2024.” The company notified the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Dislocated Worker Unit on October 18, 2024.

Since this is a permanent closure of the entire facility, no bumping rights will ultimately exist for affected employees. There is also no opportunity for impacted salaried employees to exercise bumping rights. All employees have the opportunity to apply for available positions at any other International Paper facility. The United Steel, Paper & Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial & Service Workers International Union Local 1337 represent hourly employees at this facility.

The Greater Memphis Local Workforce Development Board will be responsible for overseeing the continued follow-up of Rapid Response and Dislocated Worker services associated with this event.”