Paper cup plant closing because of drop in demand

AUGUSTA, Ga. – An Augusta, Georgia-based factory that looks like a giant paper cup is closing.

The Augusta Chronicle reports Dart Container Corp. has announced it will close the 70-year-old plant by early 2019 because of lower demand for the only product that it makes —single-use food service packaging. The Augusta plant produces paper cups insulated to accommodate both hot and cold beverages.

Dart President Jim Lammer describes the decision to close as “strategic but painful.”

Dart employs about 160 people in Augusta. Starting next year, that number will decrease as the company transfers production and equipment. The cups now produced in Augusta will continue to be made in Toronto.

Director of Corporate Communications Margo Burrage says employees might be eligible for severance under union contracts, and will receive job placement information.

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Information from: The Augusta Chronicle , http://www.augustachronicle.com