TOWNSEND, Ga. (WSAV) - The closure of International Paper facilities in Savannah and Riceboro has sent shockwaves through Georgia’s timber industry, leaving suppliers scrambling to adapt.

Pierce Timber Company said about 20% of its business depended on the mills.

“It was complete shock,” said Brian Peacock, area manager for Pierce Timber. He said the loss means fewer loads for both loggers and truckers.

“We’ve actually had to let crews go and it not only affects those crews, but it also affects truck drivers. Each group has probably five or six trucks. So, you’re looking at least 15 to 20 trucks gone.”

The shutdown comes at a time when mills across Georgia were already at capacity.

“We’re already saturated. So, there wasn’t any opportunity to push more production to those places that

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