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North Carolina Strikes $6.25 Million Deal with Pactiv Evergreen
Canton -- After years of uncertainty and economic hardship, the people of Canton are finally getting some much-needed relief. North
Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson
and Governor Josh Stein reached a $6.25 million settlement with Pactiv Evergreen, the company that abruptly shut down the town’s paper mill in 2023. The closure left more than 800 workers without jobs and rocked the local economy, but this settlement aims to start making things right.
What This Means for Canton
Under the agreement:
Pactiv Evergreen will pay $6.25 million, with $5.75 million going directly to Canton and Haywood County to help with recovery efforts.
The company is dropping its fight for property tax refunds, saving the county and town about $4.5 million.
The company is dropping its fight for property tax refunds, saving the county and town about $4.5 million.
Pactiv has also agreed not to bill Canton for past wastewater treatment plant costs, which is another big win for the town.
Holding Pactiv Accountable
Attorney General Jeff Jackson didn’t hold back when explaining why this deal matters:
Holding Pactiv Accountable
Attorney General Jeff Jackson didn’t hold back when explaining why this deal matters:
“Pactiv broke its promise to the state and the people of Canton, and today’s settlement holds it accountable for violating its agreement. This settlement will allow the people of Canton and Haywood County to immediately put millions back into rebuilding their economy after the mill’s closure, and it will shield them from future litigation from Pactiv. After a devastating few years, this deal gives the people of Canton funds they desperately need right now.”Governor Josh Stein echoed Jackson’s thoughts, but also focused on the strength of the Canton community:
"I am pleased the state of North Carolina, town of Canton, and Haywood County have reached a settlement with Pactiv worth millions of dollars to Canton and Haywood. We are now turning the page and writing a new chapter to help Canton build back even stronger. The people of Canton are so resilient; they lost the paper mill and have overcome two major floods in the past three years. They will build a brighter future, and the state is committed to working right alongside them to help.”
A Community Ready to Rebuild
Canton has been through a lot. For over a century, the paper mill was the lifeblood of the town. Its sudden closure in 2023 left residents scrambling, businesses struggling, and an uncertain future hanging over everyone’s heads. But if there’s one thing the people of Canton know how to do, it’s come together and rebuild.
Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers and Haywood County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kevin Ensley are optimistic about what’s ahead. They see this settlement as a stepping stone toward a stronger, more diverse local economy. The money will go toward infrastructure improvements, new economic development initiatives, and job training programs to help former mill workers find new careers.
Looking Ahead
With this deal, North Carolina is making it clear that companies can’t just walk away from their commitments. But more importantly, Canton is getting the support it needs to move forward. The town’s resilience has been tested time and time again, and yet, the people here continue to rise to the challenge.
WNCTimes
Image: WNCTimes
