A Town Without Its Heart
The small town of Canton, North Carolina, is grappling with an identity crisis following the closure of the Pactiv Evergreen paper mill in June 2023. For over 115 years, the mill was not just the economic backbone of the community but also a cultural cornerstone, shaping the lives of generations. Its closure has left a void, with locals describing the loss as akin to a family death, as shared in posts found on X.
The mill's shutdown affected over 1,000 workers, many of whom were union members, and sent ripples through the entire region. According to data from the Economic Policy Institute cited in social media discussions, for every 100 factory jobs lost, an additional 744 jobs disappear in related sectors. This staggering multiplier effect has left Canton's future uncertain, with families facing the prospect of relocation and businesses struggling to survive.
Community Impact and Economic Fallout
The closure's impact extends beyond economics into the very fabric of Canton's identity. The mill, often described by residents as both beloved and stinky due to its distinctive odor, was a symbol of resilience and hard work. Posts on X highlight personal connections, with users recalling childhood memories tied to the mill and expressing grief over its potential demolition.
State officials have stepped in to mitigate the damage. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and former Governor Roy Cooper have publicly addressed the crisis, pledging support for affected communities. As noted on the governor's website, efforts include holding Pactiv Evergreen accountable for economic development funds, such as a 2015 agreement worth $12 million, and ensuring environmental safeguards during the closure process through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
Additionally, the corporate actions surrounding the closure have drawn criticism. Social media posts on X point to reports of Pactiv Evergreen paying bonuses to shareholders and selling over $600,000 in stock just days before announcing the shutdown with no prior notice to workers. This has fueled anger among locals who feel betrayed by the company after decades of loyalty.
Rebuilding and Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Canton is exploring ways to rebuild. In a positive development reported on Yahoo News, the town plans to purchase a portion of the former mill site to build its own sewer treatment plant, ending reliance on external entities for essential services. Town officials expressed relief at this step toward independence, stating they will no longer have to 'beg or plead' for support.
Moreover, a potential buyer emerged for the historic mill site in May 2024, as reported by Carolina Journal. While details remain limited, a letter of intent to purchase offers a glimmer of hope that the site could be repurposed, potentially bringing new opportunities to the area. Community leaders and residents are also finding creative ways to adapt, as highlighted by WYFF4, though specific initiatives are still in early stages.
As Canton navigates this transition, the road ahead remains uncertain. The loss of the mill has reshaped the town's identity, but determination to forge a new path persists. Whether through new infrastructure, potential redevelopment of the mill site, or state support, Canton’s story is one of resilience in the face of profound change.