BATON ROUGE, LA — January 16, 2019 — Today we learned that Thompson Pipe Group will close its Zachary-based plant later this year. The timing and proximity of these closures is disheartening news for our residents who’ve been impacted, but we realize that cutbacks and closures are part of a changing economy and supply and demand.

The company’s leadership has demonstrated sensitivity with their employees who were given several months’ notice regarding their plans to shutter the plant. As a result, many of their employees will transfer to their Texas-based plant, while others have already found employment locally. Approximately 30 individuals will be seeking employment following the closure.

Our collective goal continues to be to help everyone find new jobs and careers here in the Baton Rouge area. Our efforts to support Georgia Pacific employees are well underway, and it is our intention to consolidate our resources to assist all citizens in need of employment due to recently announced layoffs.

Our economy has taken a hit, but East Baton Rouge Parish remains resilient. Our focus must be on addressing the needs of families and communities through these immediate transitions, and engaging on the broader implications in the weeks and months ahead.