As our hearts and minds reel with the news that Pactiv-Evergreen intends to close the paper
mill in Canton, we grieve together as a community.
Haywood County has faced, and met with courage, more than its share of hardships, and this
challenge will be no different. Haywood County’s tradition of grit and resilience will serve us
well in the days and months ahead as we plan for a new future.
“We know this is a huge change, yet we are confident that our county can find solutions. Our
county staff are working on ways to help the hard-working Evergreen employees find resources
to help them make a smooth transition. This is not the first time we have lost an industry in
Haywood County, and we will come out strong as before. We are praying for everyone
involved,” said Kevin Ensley, Chairman, Haywood County Board of Commissioners.
“Supporting every single worker and family affected by this economic crisis is the most
important thing that we are doing today. At the same time that we are securing the safety and
stabilization of our economy, we will continue to make sure everyone has an equal opportunity
to find employment. My hope is that everyone who wishes to will be able to stay in Haywood
County,” said Zeb Smathers, Mayor, Town of Canton.
Rest assured that plans are already underway to handle the complex issues that will arise out of
the closing of the paper mill. A group of town, county, and state leaders have met and will
continue to meet to discuss these issues and share information.
Likewise, a joint information center has been established to provide information to the public
on a number of topics including reemployment and training opportunities, and available mental
health services.
David Francis, Community & Economic Development Director stated that “the unfortunate
closure of Evergreen has left all us a little shaken and 1,100 employees devastated, but there is
a team of dedicated folks at every level of government, community colleges and chambers of
commerce to help the employees of Evergreen to get back on their feet. In the coming days and weeks, this group will be able to assist, educate and to help find employment for the employees of Evergreen.”
“My heart fell yesterday as I heard the news concerning the paper mill being closed down.
Being a native of Haywood County it has always been a huge part of this small town that I call
home. I have numerous family members, friends, and customers that are being affected. Our
number one priority is to help those impacted in whatever way we can to make sure they have
the support to take their next steps forward. My prayers are with each of you as we support
each other in the days ahead,” said Brandon Rogers, Vice-Chairman, Haywood County Board of
Commissioners.
This is an evolving situation and updates will be provided as new information becomes
available.
Public information updates will be shared at Haywood.edu/Evergreen and the Facebook
Page: Canton Mill Community Resources.
In addition, a quorum of the Haywood County Board of Commissioners will be attending a meeting on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 10:30 AM at the Haywood Community College Regional High Tech Center located at 112 Industrial Park Drive, Waynesville, NC 28786.
The purpose of the meeting is for the Board of Commissioners, along with other elected officials and representatives from Haywood County and Municipal governments, to attend an informational session regarding the Pactiv-Evergreen closing. Representatives from Haywood Community College, Southwestern Commission, and Land of Sky workforce development will be on hand to provide information about available resources and steps to be taken to implement the North Carolina Department of Commerce Rapid Response/Support for Workers Program. Representatives from the NC Department of Commerce will either be in attendance or providing information via telephone.
There will be no official Haywood County business conducted at this meeting.
For questions, please contact the County Manager’s Office at 828-452-6625.
Sources: Haywood County Administration
