Senator Warner released the following statement today after learning that International Paper will shut-down its facility in the City of Franklin, which has employed members of the community for more than 120 years: 

“This is devastating news for hundreds of families and for a community which has relied upon the jobs at this facility for more than 120 years.

“We have spoken with company and city officials, and we are working with the U.S. Department of Labor and other federal, state and nonprofit organizations to provide immediate support and assistance to these 1,100 families.

“Over the longer-term, it also is important that we market the quality workforce in this strong and resilient community to other potential employers.

“We also will be working with our federal, state and local partners to make sure these displaced workers have access to retraining and other job services they’ll need to be competitive as our economy recovers.”

The International Paper facility in Franklin. (Photo by Genevieve Ross | The Virginian-Pilot)