International Paper Company has officially closed its Bradley County plant in Cleveland, Tennessee, resulting in the layoff of 115 workers. This closure follows an earlier announcement made on October 21, 2024, regarding impending layoffs, with the first round of layoffs commencing on December 16, 2024. Both the Cleveland and Memphis locations of International Paper are now permanently closed, and the shutdown of machines and operations was confirmed to be completed by mid-December 2024. The decision to close the plant is part of a broader trend affecting the manufacturing sector in the region, which has seen various companies reevaluate their operations due to economic pressures and changing market conditions. The impact of this closure on the local economy and workforce is significant, as many families are now facing uncertainty regarding their employment prospects in the wake of the plant's shutdown.
In contrast, Wacker Chemical Corp. is currently evaluating market conditions for a potential expansion at its plant in Bradley County. The company, which produces hyper-pure polysilicon for semiconductors and solar cells, is hiring to fill 20 to 40 jobs but has not yet committed to the expansion due to fluctuating customer demand and economic factors. Wacker has previously announced plans to add production of new silicone rubber and sealant at its facility. Despite a strong performance in 2019, the company has indicated that revenues are expected to decline this year amid a global economic downturn. The U.S. CEO of Wacker noted the ongoing challenge of finding qualified workers, a situation exacerbated by low unemployment rates nationwide. To combat this, Wacker has partnered with the PIE Center to develop the local workforce and has initiated programs to assist adults without a high school diploma, providing them with temporary work and educational opportunities.
The contrasting situations of International Paper and Wacker Chemical highlight the complexities of the manufacturing landscape in Bradley County, where job losses at one company coincide with potential growth at another, albeit with uncertainties surrounding market conditions and workforce availability.