Smurfit Westrock shuts Atlanta packaging plant, impacts 55 jobs 

USA – Smurfit Westrock, a major player in sustainable corrugated packaging, will close its food service packaging facility in Atlanta, Georgia, leading to the permanent layoff of 55 employees. 

The closure, detailed in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification filed with the state on November 10, targets completion around January 5, 2026. 

This move forms part of the company’s efforts to streamline operations following its formation last July through Smurfit Kappa’s acquisition of WestRock.

A company spokesperson explained via email that the decision stems from a need to enhance overall efficiency. 

Production from the Atlanta site will shift to a nearby upgraded facility equipped with greater output capacity, streamlined supply chains, and certification under SQF food safety standards.

This transition aims to consolidate resources while maintaining service levels for customers in the food sector.

The layoffs add to a broader pattern of workforce adjustments at Smurfit Westrock. 

During an October earnings call, CEO Tony Smurfit noted that the merged entity has cut 4,500 positions overall. 

He added that nine site closures have occurred so far, with more planned to eliminate underperforming units. 

“We are rightsizing the business by addressing inefficient or loss-making operations,” Smurfit stated, emphasizing the focus on long-term viability.

This year, similar actions took place across multiple locations. In October, the company revealed plans to shutter a corrugated sheet and box plant in California, affecting 141 staff members. 

August brought news of a Cedar Rapids, Iowa, facility closure impacting roughly 100 workers. Back in April, four additional sites, three in the U.S. and one in Germany, closed, resulting in about 650 job losses combined.

Despite these reductions, Smurfit Westrock continues to channel funds into growth areas.

Just last month, it committed US$19.3 million to expand capacity by 50 percent at its Saltillo, Mississippi, corrugated plant, which specializes in recyclable materials for consumer goods. 

Executives outlined further commitments during a May earnings discussion, including the rollout of 25 advanced converting machines starting next year to improve energy use and waste reduction in production lines.

The Atlanta closure, while challenging for affected workers, supports this shift toward more resilient operations.

 Local support services, including retraining programs, will assist those impacted through Georgia’s state resources.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE