700 Georgia-Pacific workers to lose jobs in layoff

CROSSETT, Ark. (AP) - Georgia-Pacific officials say the company is indefinitely suspending its plywood and stud manufacturing operation in Crossett, affecting 700 employees.

Officials said Friday a "depression" in the residential and commercial construction market is forcing the company to shut down its factories in southeastern Arkansas and Hawthorne, Fla. About 400 workers will be affected in Florida.

A Georgia-Pacific paper and consumer products operation that employs 1,400 people in Crossett isn't being affected.

Officials say workers will be paid during the next 60 days, and the company is working with the Department of Labor in both states to help employees file for unemployment benefits. Employees will be able to apply for other open positions within the company.

The parent company of Atlanta-based Georgia-Pacific is Koch Industries of Wichita, Kan.