World Trade Center Savannah (WTCSav) hosted its fifth annual Prosperity Through Trade Luncheon Thursday, May 2, in conjunction with World Trade Month.
During the luncheon, WTCSav presented the World Trade Center Savannah International Business of the Year Award to Georgia-Pacific’s Brunswick Cellulose pulp and paper mill. The facility, which makes fluff pulp for a variety of consumer uses, has been a staple in Glynn County since 1937 when Brunswick Pulp & Paper first opened as the Southeast’s first pulp mill.
Throughout its history, Brunswick Cellulose has remained consistent as one of the largest manufacturing sector employers in the area, employing 650 individuals locally. It is also Glynn County’s biggest taxpayer with more than $3.7 million paid in the current tax year. Georgia-Pacific is among the world’s largest recyclers of paper, metal and plastics. The company, headquartered in Atlanta, operates more than 150 facilities and employs approximately 30,000 people directly and creates more than 80,000 jobs indirectly.
“The vision of Georgia-Pacific here is to continue to invest in this facility to make it a world class bio-refinery,” said Brunswick Cellulose Vice President and General Manager Jack Perrett. “That’s where we plan to take the plant – to get to the point where we’re incredibly energy-efficient, basically using no fossil fuels and producing high-quality products with our local resources.”
Sponsored by Georgia Southern University, the award is given annually to a regional company demonstrating excellence in international trade. This award is presented to encourage and recognize exemplary corporate leadership for international business or trade that advances relations between the U.S. and other nations as well as creates quality jobs in the region.
“Brunswick Cellulose has served generations of families here in Brunswick as one of our largest employers in Glynn County,” said Golden Isles Development Authority President and CEO Ryan Moore. “The staff not only make an impact within Georgia-Pacific, but as a part of our local community as well. I’m incredibly proud that Brunswick Cellulose calls the Golden Isles home.”
Brunswick Cellulose ran against a line-up of outstanding companies including Orafol in Bryan County, Halstead New England in Effingham County and Expeditors International in Chatham County. Past winners include International Paper (2023), Anatolia Tile + Stone (2022) Dorel Home Furnishings (2021), Brodie International (2020), Koyo Bearings North America (2019), DIRTT Environmental Solutions (2018), D.J. Powers (2017), Savannah Bee Company (2016), Alcoa Forgings and Extrusions (2015), Gulfstream Aerospace (2014), SNF (2013) and JCB (2012).
This event serves to highlight global economic development in the region and to showcase the activities of WTCSav and the successes of its 15 economic development authority partners in the Southeast Georgia region.