International Paper called the decision a series of strategic changes to achieve an advantaged cost position in a press release sent out by the company on Thursday morning.

International Paper, a longtime pillar of Coastal Georgia's economy, announced Thursday that it will permanently close its Savannah and Riceboro plants by the end of September and cut some 1,100 hourly and salaried jobs.

Mayor Van R. Johnson II is hosting a virtual press briefing at 3:45 p.m. today, Aug. 21, to answer questions regarding the closing of International Paper.