Georgia-Pacific is strengthening its commitment to workforce development through strategic investments in education programs that prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing. Recent contributions to Central Carolina Technical College (CCTC) and Auburn University highlight the company’s focus on equipping the next generation with the technical skills and industry exposure needed to succeed.

Supporting Local Workforce Development Through Mechatronics Training

Georgia-Pacific’s Clarendon OSB facility recently donated $5,000 to Central Carolina Technical College’s Foundation in support of the college’s growing mechatronics program—bringing the company’s total investment in the program to $15,000. The donation reflects Georgia-Pacific’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the region’s workforce and ensuring that students have access to training aligned with today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape.

Mechatronics, which integrates mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, is foundational to modern manufacturing facilities where efficiency, safety, and automation play critical roles. Through programs like CCTC’s mechatronics curriculum, students gain hands-on training that directly translates to high-demand, high-skill careers in the region.

“This investment continues to show Georgia-Pacific’s commitment to the region and investing in the workforce of tomorrow,” said Jim Motes, plant manager at Clarendon OSB. “We are proud to partner with CCTC and look forward to supporting their efforts to prepare students for meaningful careers in manufacturing.”

The Clarendon OSB facility produces a wide range of oriented strand board (OSB) products—including Blue Ribbon® OSB Rated Sheathing, Blue Ribbon® Stur-I-Floor, and ForceField® Sheathing Panels—using sustainably sourced materials for residential and commercial construction.

Investing in the Next Generation of Pulp & Paper Professionals

Complementing its support for technical college training programs, Georgia-Pacific also donated $10,000 to Auburn University’s Technical Association of the Pulp & Paper Industry (TAPPI) student chapter. This contribution will help send students to the 2025 national TAPPI Student Summit, hosted in Birmingham, Alabama, where they will participate in professional development, networking, and industry-led workshops.

Auburn’s TAPPI chapter plays a central role in cultivating future pulp and paper leaders by engaging students in industry standards, technical resources, and real-world professional opportunities. Georgia-Pacific’s latest donation will help cover travel, lodging, and registration costs for what is expected to be Auburn’s largest-ever student delegation at the summit.

“We are incredibly grateful for Georgia-Pacific’s generous investment in the future of the pulp and paper industry,” said Tanner Stogner, president of Auburn University’s TAPPI student chapter. “This opportunity will empower our members to connect with industry leaders and showcase the excellence of Auburn’s pulp and paper program.”

Georgia-Pacific leaders emphasized the importance of sustained engagement with students and early-career talent.

“Through this donation, Georgia-Pacific is making sure these students have the means and connections to succeed as they navigate our industry,” said Tyler Hart, vice president of engineering at Georgia-Pacific and president of the Auburn Pulp and Paper Foundation. “Supporting a group of students who are focused, excited, and well-prepared is a powerful way to invest in the future of our workforce.”

In addition to financial support, Georgia-Pacific participates in Auburn’s pulp and paper programming through mill tours, mock interviews, mentorship, and annual events hosted by the Auburn Pulp and Paper Foundation.

A Unified Commitment to Manufacturing Careers

From hands-on mechatronics training to industry-specific development in pulp and paper, Georgia-Pacific’s investments reflect a broad, results-driven approach to strengthening the manufacturing workforce pipeline. By collaborating with educational partners at multiple levels, the company continues to support the growth of highly skilled talent prepared to meet the demands of modern manufacturing.