TALLADEGA COUNTY, Ala. – Regional business leaders are mobilizing to support workers affected by the announced closure of a major industrial facility that has long served as an economic anchor in Talladega County.
Domtar said it will close its Coosa Pines fluff pulp mill in Childersburg on Sunday, May 24, a decision expected to impact 285 employees. In response, the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Childersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Talladega Area Chamber of Commerce, is coordinating efforts to connect displaced workers with new opportunities.
Local chambers, along with workforce and community partners, are working to provide access to job openings, training resources, and career services. Plans for job fairs and other support initiatives are underway, with additional details expected soon.
“Our priority is to support these individuals and families and help connect them to new opportunities as quickly as possible,” said Laura Strickland, President and CEO of the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce.
John-Mark Freeman, president of the Childersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, described the closure as devastating for the community and noted the loss of jobs would impact hundreds of families. He said the plant has long been a major economic engine for the area and that local leaders were quickly working to organize a response.
Freeman said the chambers are in the early stages of planning but are coordinating with workforce and economic development partners to identify next steps and provide assistance to those affected. He emphasized their commitment to supporting workers and helping connect them with available resources.
In a statement, a Domtar spokesperson cited challenging market conditions and aging infrastructure as factors behind the decision.
